OBITUARY: Estella Lilly

Estella Lilly, 85, of Sarasota Bay Club and formerly of Longboat Key, died Friday, June 24.

Born in Harlan, Iowa, Mrs. Lilly and her husband, Jim, moved to Longboat Key in 1957 after considering several places in part because they thought it would be possible to sail from Longboat Key across the Gulf to Mexico in the event of nuclear war.

Together, the Lillys converted a fruit stand into The Beach Cart, which was the island’s only full-service grocery store for many years. In the next three decades, the couple built the Sea Stable, a sportswear shop next door, along with several rental properties.

Mrs. Lilly played piano at many places, including the Longboat Island Chapel when it was located at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, along with a therapy trio at the Happiness House. However, she was best-known as a clarinetist. She played with the Sarasota Concert Band for 35 years and loved playing Karl King’s Barnum and Bailey’s favorite.

Mrs. Lilly is survived by her son, John, of Minneapolis; brother, Jim Polzois, of Charleston, S.C.; and two grandchildren.

There will be no funeral or visitation. Memorial contributions can be made to Mrs. Lilly’s favorite radio station, WUSF, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, Fla. 33620 or online at wusf.org.