Lillian Updike

Lillian Sturgis Updike, 97, passed away Sept. 22, 2024, in Brevard, NC, with her children at her side.

She was born on August 9, 1927 in Ocala, Florida to Wallace Edwin Sturgis and Catherine Goldthwaite Henry. In 1950, before graduating from Cornell University as a Registered Nurse, Lillian married her high school sweetheart, Edwin Hoyt Updike. They started their family in Rochester, Minnesota and returned to Ocala, Florida in 1957 where they raised their children and lived for the next 34 years. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Lillian studied art, painting, taught nursing, and was an active volunteer in her church and community.

In 1991, Lillian and Eddie retired to a small farm near Brevard, NC where Lillian built her dream art studio and spent her remaining years enjoying gatherings with family and friends and pursuing her interests in art and spiritual exploration. Those who were fortunate to cross paths with "Lillie" will always remember her radiant smile and infectious laugh, her warm, caring and gracious spirit, her love of cooking....and her paintings!

Lillian was an accomplished and prolific artist. In her words "art is the way I explore creation, soul and spirit. My hope is that the viewer will be inspired by the painted images to connect with their own soul and spirit. My love of painting people is to celebrate their uniqueness and inner essence. I hope to show them how truly beautiful they are."

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Edwin Hoyt Updike; her daughters, Dorothy Roane Updike and Sarah Updike Sutton; her siblings, Mary Sturgis McClellan and Wallace Edwin Sturgis, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Mary Updike Colton, Elizabeth Updike Smith (Jesse), and David Sturgis Updike (Maja); grandchildren, Henry and Stokes Colton, Nate Sutton (Karina), Brady Sutton Mackey (Sarah), Caleb Sutton, Ben and Isaac Updike; great grandchildren, Harren and Ellis Sutton, and Parker Lily and Ella Mae Mackey; her sister Anne Goldthwaite Sturgis, and many extended family members.

A celebration of life for both Lillian and Eddie will be held at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Brevard, NC on Saturday November 30th at 2:00pm.

The family extends special thanks and appreciation to the staff of College Walk, Four Seasons Hospice, and St. Philips Episcopal Church for their care and support.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice (FourSeasonsFDN.org), St. Philips Church (www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org), or any other organization of your choosing.

Moore-Blanchard Funeral Home in Brevard is serving the family.