Aija Briedis Day, 74, died on Jan. 30, 2012, in Prescott, Ariz. She was born on January 8, 1938, in Talsi, Latvia, to Herbert and Minna (Sudmalis) Briedis. Aija , with her parents moved to New York in her early teens, graduating from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in 1958, going on to also become a graduate from the State of New York University, Oneonta in 1962 as an Elementary School Teacher. She taught at Draper School in Rotterdam, NY, from 1962-1967 before relocating with her husband, John to Phoenix, AZ., in 1973. While in Phoenix, Aija taught at Christ Lutheran Church as a 4th grade teacher, then in 1987 after moving to Prescott taught 2nd grade at Lake Valley School in Prescott Valley, AZ. She was an active member of the American Lutheran Church of Prescott, giving of herself was one of her most precious attributes. An avid sports enthusiast who loved tennis, horseback riding and world travel making many trips to Europe and the Middle East.Aija is survived by her daughter, Susan Day-Hildred of Prescott, Dzidra Terpstra , Rasma Martinez, Ausma Baxter, Ilgvars Briedis, all of Manlius, N.Y., Liga Wood, John Briedis of Fayetteville, N.Y., Maruta Bassett of Syracuse, N.Y., and George Briedis of Newborn, GA.. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John; sister, Biruta McDonald; brother, Ojars Briedis.A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at 1:00p.m., located at the American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Dr., in Prescott, AZ., with a family graveside service in Manlius, NY at a later date.