Liz Stuart remembered for her artistry and charity
Elizabeth “Liz” Stuart was a woman of faith, a world traveler and an accomplished artist who never stopped giving of herself.
Stuart, who died Sunday at age 81 following a car accident, was remembered Tuesday for many things by many in the community, particularly her involvement in the Cape Coral Mayors’ Scholarship Fund.
Andrea Lacy, Liz’s daughter, said she was deeply involved in volunteerism, especially the scholarship fund, Hope Hospice and her church, among other things in the 30 years she lived in Cape Coral.
“She was a prolific artist whose work was in several galleries. She had a very active life here, from being involved in bridge to volunteering,” Lacy said.
Lacy said Liz had also been a world traveler whose been to China, Russia and Nepal, usually with only a backpack and a friend, and that was when she was in her 70s.
Despite her globe-trotting ways, Liz loved nothing more than settling in at home and cooking for friends and family, Lacy said.
“She was a great mom and a best friend. I was too young to be able to afford her travels around the world, but we went around the U.S.,” Lacy said. “People from all walks of life had a connection to her. That’s amazing.”
Messages of condolences came from many people. Dr. Angela Pruitt, chief human resources officer for Lee County Public Schools, said via e-mail, “My heart is heavy – Liz was truly an inspiration She was kind, energetic, passionate, committed, funny, dedicated, generous, and I could go on and on. We will miss her terribly.”
“It is such a shock and so sad that one of our pillars of the CCMSF has passed. She will be sorely missed,” said City Councilmember and Scholarship Fund board member Jim Burch.
Another board member, Tom McNulty, said she was very dedicated to the scholarship fund, and one of its hardest workers.
“She was responsible for Theatre Night in the spring, and just a grand lady, and I don’t use that term lightly,” McNulty said. “What a loss. She will be missed by everyone here.”
McNulty said she had tried to slow down her involvement in recent years, but just couldn’t.
“When you’re involved in something that you’re really dedicated to, it’s hard to turn loose,” McNulty said. “A lot of us are up in age and she’s the first one who’s passed since I’ve been here.”
Liz was raised in Birmingham, Mich., the daughter of James and Louise Cobb. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she pursued a degree in fashion design. After two years in college, Liz married Robert Alan Stuart. The couple had three beloved children, Andrea Leigh, Jonathan Robert, and Jeffery Allen.
She worked in the travel industry, and later moved into the hospitality industry when she moved to the area.
Liz was an avid bridge player and watercolor and acrylic painter whose works were often donated to her favorite charity fund raisers, Lacy said.
Liz was preceded in death by sons Jon and Jeff and is survived by daughter Andrea Lacy (Mark), daughter-in-law Stacey Schiller Stuart and grandchildren Cameron Lacy Ortega (Michael), Benjamin Edward Lacy (Erin), all of McAllen, Texas; Hallie Lou Stuart and Jeffery Edward Stuart, both of Aspen, Colo., and four great-grandchildren; Maddie, Gigi, Mackenzie and Oliver.
A remembrance service will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m., at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral.
In lieu of flowers, family asks to please consider a memorial gift to Faith Presbyterian Church of Cape Coral or the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 151999, Cape Coral, FL 33915. www.capecoralmayorscholarship.com