Springfield loses one of it's grand ladies and early pioneers

[strider]

This morning, Springfield lost one of it’s earlier pioneers.  Lisa Neary passed away in the early morning hours after a hard fought three year battle.  Lisa and her husband Phil first moved to Springfield in 1986 from San Marco.  Through the years, they both worked tirelessly to save many houses and help bring order to what some considered the wild west.  Lisa had been  president of the Woman’s Club and oversaw many projects and fund raising promotions.  She was involved in the earliest home tours when the tour takers were transported around in personal station wagons as well as working with the city securing funds for the park system, some of which were just used recently.  Lisa also owned several businesses through the years from antique stores on Main Street to more recently, the Epicurean.

The first time I met Lisa was during a Sunday brunch at the Park View Café (now Hola) in 1998. She was dressed to the nines with a big hat and large sunglasses and almost seemed to be a gentile southern lady holding court.  Later I found her to be a very loving friend full of passion and life.  I will miss her.

I think it would be fine to share stories here if you wish.  You may also PM me and I will keep you informed of the arrangements once they are made.

[sheclown]

I remember walking with Lisa down East 7th Street at 1:00 in the morning after a night at Boomtown.  (Ah...Lisa...do we really want to do this?) 

The woman was a fighter and wasn't easily intimidated. 

Goodbye dear Lisa.  We'll miss you.

[Dan B]

Joe, Gloria. Please tell Phil I am sorry for his loss.

[thelakelander]

I remember first meeting Lisa, when I stopped by Epicurean to let her know that I was intending to purchase a property next door for a live/work project and to get her feedback on it.  It was the tale end of Epicurean and it was sad to see it go but at the time she had dreams of renovating one of the now demolished historic homes off 7th & Main into a new Epicurean.  I think she fell ill soon after that.  RIP.

[Dan B]

I spent many an hour in the Epicurean with Joe and Phil, and then later, Gloria going over the plans to any one of the several houses we tried to buy up until 2003 when we finally managed to land a contract on the one we live in now. She did a good job of running the little cafe. If I remember correctly, she one time explained that her illness had caused her to have to change her diet, which led to the cafe.  I guess she figured since she was having to do all the work to get food to eat healthier, why not open the shop!

I was bummed when it closed down.

[heights unknown]

So, this is the person who was desperately trying to change Springfield's image; didn't know her, but had heard of someone who was spearheading a campaign of sorts to improve the image of Historic Springfield.  My hats off to her and my deepest sympathy to her family...I know she will be missed.

I remember well when Springfield was the "wild wild west" of Jacksonville.  I used to frequent the area and had friends who lived in Springfield back then...good times yes but more bad times than good.  I am awestruck and proud of what Springfield has become and is even now continuing to evolve for the better.

Heights Unknown

[GideonGlib]

Every time I went to Epicurean she was just great. Sad to hear of this.

[Springfielder]

I've known them for many years, and first met them at the womans club back in the late 90s. I'm sorry to hear of her passing, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Phil.

[JagFan07]

Lisa will be missed. I always enjoyed talking with her when I was running the Maxx.

[Sigma]

This is a very sad day. Lisa was a stranger to no one and will be greatly missed.  The first time I met her I felt like I had known her for years.  We are thinking about you Phil.

[nvrenuf]

I recall spirited discussions at Springfield Station over a few pints. Delicious meals at Epicurean. My condolences. A rare one indeed, now gone but not forgotten. 

[02roadking]

I'm so sad. The first folks I met back in 98, and great neighbors till they sold their house on 7th. Condolences to Phil, family & all of their friends.
   Scott Davis

[EvenStillLeader]

This is a sad, sad day. My deepest sympathies go out to Phil and the rest of the family.

Tommy

[hooplady]

She had a long hard fight but every time I saw her she had a big smile and a hug for me.  I think she may have actually invented the peace bubble.  I'll bet her Jolly Green Giant is shedding a tear right now, as am I.
-Janet D.

[chris farley]

I cannot believe it - I am devastated.  Lisa saved the Woman's Club, the President there at that time  had sold all of the old silver and had a contract on the building.  Lisa got the Federation there and took over, restored and saved the building and the wonderful old association.
I still cannot believe it
She and Melissa Miller wrote the ISTEA grant requests that put close to $700,000 into Confederate Park, without them there would be no fence no trees, not dog park and no restored Woman of the South.

It would be wonderful to put a bench in Klutho alongside the one for Michael,  I am going to try and organize it.  The bench cost $1700 and the plaque $140.  I have a wonderful photo of Lisa, Michael, Don and Jon taken the night the fountain was dedicated, but I do not know how to post.