Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Elizabeth Post Obituary
Post died Saturday in the southwest Florida city of Naples, her family said. Post was the granddaughter-in-law of the country's foremost etiquette expert, Emily Post. In 1965, five years after the elder Post died, Elizabeth took the helm of the Emily Post Institute in Burlington, Vt.
To Elizabeth Post, known by family and friends as "Libby," good manners meant having a kind attitude toward everyone.
"Libby was very open minded, fair and flexible," said daughter-in-law Peggy Post on Tuesday. "She was full of common sense and kindness. Not at all pretentious and not at all stuffy."
Born in Englewood, N.J. in 1920, Post married William Goadby Post in 1944. He was the only grandchild of Emily Post, who wrote the seminal book "Emily Post's Etiquette" in 1922.
Elizabeth Post became active in the family business in the 1960s, at a time when manners and social mores were becoming more relaxed.
"So much was changing," said Peggy Post. "Libby kept that core message of etiquette going. Those principles of being respectful and considerate are important."
Along with revising "Emily Post's Etiquette" five times, Post also wrote several books of her own. Her wedding etiquette books were especially popular. She also wrote a column for Good Housekeeping magazine for 25 years.
About etiquette, Post maintained that it should not be something that is "restrictive or unpleasant."
"Etiquette is meant to smooth the path between people to better relationships," Elizabeth Post once said.
Peggy Post said that her mother-in-law was never appalled by the state of manners in recent years.
"She didn't say, tsk tsk, at all," said Peggy Post. She recognized that there's always going to be rude situations. Most people don't want to be rude. Most people do c are about being kind and considerate. But because we're such a rushed world, people get frustrated and there are a lot of sticky situations."
Post retired from the Emily Post Institute in 1995, and with her husband, spent winters in Florida and summers in Vermont. The couple especially loved to fish together; Post once landed the largest tarpon caught by a woman in the United States.
Around the year 2000, Post and her husband made Naples their full-time home. Peggy Post called her mother-in-law a "really gifted artist," who loved watercolor painting.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
71 Entries
Jonathan Lowder
April 23, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tina
May 5, 2010
I grew up reading her column in my mom's Good Housekeeping magazines, and I honestly think she taught me everything I know about manners! She was a wonderful voice of reason.
To her family, may your memories of good times comfort you.
L Hopkins
May 4, 2010
I hope her legacy lives on to future generations.
How you can show support
Jon Lowder
May 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 4, 2010
I'm a gruff barber. I couldn't have gotten through life without Ms. Posts' book . My kids have been amazed many times by Dads manners of etiquette. She's been my secret. So sorry to hear of her passing. Ross, OH
Antonio
May 3, 2010
Dear Family of Elizabeth I Am so Sorry for your lost. Let me share a Scripture with you a James 4:8 were it says Draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
Elaine Watson-Matthews
May 3, 2010
This gracious lady touched the lives of many. She will be fondly remembered by all. May the God of all comfort be with the family in your time of sorrow. Our Heavenly Father assures us that He will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more. I offer my sincere condolences to you all.
Les Breese
May 2, 2010
If everyone practiced good manners and common sense, this would be a much better world. My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth Post.
May 1, 2010
To the Family and Friends of Elizabeth Post,
I am very sorry for the loss of such a family treasure like Mrs.Post. At this difficult time may the family draw on the many wonderful memories she must have made over the years.
Please take note of this warm scripture found at Psalms147:3-"He(God) is healing the broken-hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
Cynthia Alexander
May 1, 2010
If all people understood the basic need to observe manners,the world would be a much better place. She was a champion in her field.
She was an inspiration and she certainly did her part to inspire others to put their best foot forward.
With deepest sympathies to the family. My prayers are with you.
Faith Camet-Caluda
April 30, 2010
Peggy,
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother in law. May God give you and your family strength. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers!
Your friend, Faith Camet- Caluda
Kathy Marinelli
April 30, 2010
Post Family:
My mother would always remind me of my manners. Of course they were Elizabeth & Emily Post manners. I learned a lot from them. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
April 30, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE POST FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW ELIZABETH.
Bonnie Garcia
April 30, 2010
Dear Post Family,
I will always appreciate the many things I was taught as a child that came from Elizabeth Post. Good manners are so sadly lacking today. I look forward to the time when "the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace" - Psalms 37:11. May God's word comfort you as you come through the loss of a very fine lady.
DICK & BOBBI WERNER
April 30, 2010
ALAN & PEGGY,
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Lois Forti
April 29, 2010
Rest In Peace Elizabeth!
Grace Mauberret
April 29, 2010
Dear Post Family,
I was a huge fan of Elizabeth Post for many, many years, and especially enjoyed her old column in Good Housekeeping. She was truly a gracious and charming lady who contributed a great deal to American manners. She will be deeply missed by her many, many readers.
In Deepest Sympathy,
April 29, 2010
I always tell my family...remember what Emily Post says!
Saida Burse
April 29, 2010
To Post Family,
May God grant you the strength you need to cope with your loss. John 5:28
Dione Taylor
April 29, 2010
Let us Pray, Let your Kingdom come, Let your will take place, as in Heaven, also upon earth. Matthew 6: 10
John 11 : 25,26 Jesus Christ who is the resurretion and the life he that exercises faith in me even though he dies will come to life and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all Do you belivie this, trust & believe.
There's nothing like Good Matters!
Paul Edelstein
April 29, 2010
Our family can not tell you how sorry we are. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Paul Edelstein
Debra S.
April 29, 2010
People today can learn a lot from this fine lady. She is still needed. My condolences to the family
Charlsie Floyd
April 29, 2010
To Mrs Posts Family --I have her book on my bookshelf and use it routinely for business and personal entertaining.It was a gift from my Mother who used Emily Posts book to help teach a young girl what being a lady is all about. My deepest sympathy.
Nick
April 29, 2010
To the family of Ms. Elizabeth Post:
Had it not been for her, I would not have learned etiquette which really makes me feel like a lady. I never met her personally but hope to do so in the resurrection that Jesus promised will take. (John 5:28,29) May you have comfort from the scriptures.
Bernice Nickolaisen
April 29, 2010
Truly, her suggestions add harmony. Such a genteel woman.
David & Anny Cain
April 29, 2010
Peter Tricia, Bill, our deepest sympathy to your entire family ....
Henryk Zaleski
April 29, 2010
Rest in peace.
Shirley Griffin
April 28, 2010
He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 I am sorry for your loss may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of grief.
Rosalind Patton-Brown
April 28, 2010
Rejoice in her life. I treasure the insight and advice provided by Emily and Elizabeth.
Her legacy will live on.
Deborah Gray Mitchell
April 28, 2010
I was quite fortunate to have photographed Ms. Post for a Miami, Florida, publication quite a few years ago. She was the epitome of elegance. I was so saddened today to read of her passing. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Dianne Forsythe
April 28, 2010
So saddened to learn of your mother's recent death. My thoughts and prayers are with you Alan and Peggy and with your children.
April 28, 2010
What a decent and wonderful woman.. Enjoyed reading her "passion" and I hope the "now" generation will add her works to their Ipads...... God bless...... ft. myers........
Sherion Tharp
April 28, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Post family for the loss of Elizabeth. I was fortunate enough to have a mother that placed emphasis on ediquette at all times and I have carried this tradition on with my own family. I am so greatful that Elizabeth kept Emily's passion alive and I hope that it will gain the interest of a whole new generation.
Rev Kim Son Moipoi Mopimolli
April 28, 2010
Great Rady, we will pray- she be missed very much in life. Many very good books about being very plesent person all time. Got along with other many person. Pray and candles for this rady tonight.
S Davis
April 28, 2010
So sorry for your loss. I collect etiquette books and have several copies of the Post's books. They are my favorite books. She will be missed.
Freddie Barthomew Astairee
April 28, 2010
It is with the heavist of hearts that I awake to the sad knowledge that now they are both ripped from us. Emily and now poor, dear Beth. And Beth, not even ninety, yet.
Will there ever be another Post upon which we can lean for our dos and don'ts of civilized behavior and stability? Pray we find such a treasure, no matter how long and hard the search.
April 28, 2010
She will be so missed! Loved reading her posts in Goodhousekeeping!
A. Weddington
April 28, 2010
To the family,
My heart goes out to you all. Death tears parents from children and children from parents. It separates close friends and brings insecurity to close-knit communities. When death strikes, a happy family may be overwhelmed with sadness. No one needs to tell you that death is a tragedy. Take comfort in knowing that God is one “who supplies endurance and comfort.” (Romans 15:5) Since the Bible assures us that God does not change with time, we can have confidence that God supplies comfort in various ways to those in need. Never underestimate the value of prayer.
April 28, 2010
What a special women who will be missed by many!!! Love to Bill, his family and all the Posts, Linda Brooks
carol barbour
April 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
MJ Grimes
April 28, 2010
May her memories live on.
Fatih Vogel
April 28, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss.
My mother used to consult her book when she was unsure of the proper or kindest way to handle a situation. I was trained on that book. Then on my bat mitzvah, at 13, I received my own copy from my mother's friend, and I was delighed.
Such a wonderful woman giving such fine advice, I am saddened today to learn of her passing. She changed the world in the most personal way, teaching people to appreciate one another and not offend each other. I think she was a real peacekeeper.
May God bless you and yours, and just know that millions of people have benefitted from her gentle advice.
Again, my condolenses on your loss.
Faith Bader Vogel
Ann Seagraves
April 28, 2010
We are sorry for your loss. Please remember real comfort comes from our Creator. He provided the real hope for our deceased loved ones. He had that comfort recorded in his written word the bible. Romans 15:4
Daniel 12:2 many are asleep in the dust of the earth will awake from sleep.
Acts 24:15 says there will be a resurrection.
That wonderful hope is just ahead in God's new world. Death will be a thing of the past, Isaiah 25:8 shows that. Can we believe it?
Jesus demonstrated when he was on the earth, what he will do in the near future under God's government. The conditions we see to day will be gone. Psalms 37:29
So take comfort your loved one will sleep for a while as many who are in Jehovah's memory. Psalms 83:18
May the wonderful memories left by your loved one bring you comfort, and the true God Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ bring you peace John 17:3
Suzanne
April 28, 2010
I bought the latest edtition by Peggy Post as a Christmas (2010) gift for may family (two older teens and a husband of 24 years). It's home is on the coffee table and able to be easily referenced. Thank-you Post family! These values and standards should be practiced in every household. What a wonderful conribution to society! She will live on in all of our daily decisions.........Peggy, it is all you now!
Jamie Toomer- Reichert
April 28, 2010
Now your teaching will start in heaven at the BIGGEST Table of them all. Thank you for the honor of teaching us all one thing or another.
Lisa Brown
April 28, 2010
To the family and friends,
May the God of peace grant you peace and serenity during this painful and difficult time. The bible promises that soon your loved one will be resurrected to live forever on a peaceful new earth where death will be no more, neither will pain and suffering. (John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:1-4)
April 28, 2010
What an enrichment your whole family has brought to the world! Though you will miss Elizabeth you can revel in your wonderful memories of such a lady.
Sheila Crittenden, Ft. Myers, Florida
Karen Cheatham
April 28, 2010
I still live by the words of Emily Post. She brought class to society. I always refer to her books whenever I am in doubt. She will be missed but her legend lives on. I wish the kids of today who adhere by her words. We would be far better in society.
R Burroughs and family
April 28, 2010
There is no loss like the loss of your mother - my deepest sympathies to you all. I lost my mother 6 months ago - so perhaps she welcomed Elizabeth in the gate. I like to think so.
Cheryl Bean
April 28, 2010
Thanks for helping so many of us learn the dos and the donts of civilized behavior. In a world which often cast aside good manners you reminded us of their importance. You taught alot of savages how to hold their knives and forks!
John Frost
April 27, 2010
Gone at only 89. We will say special prayers for the aged. RIP
Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve
April 27, 2010
We here at Gildersleeve Funeral Services would like to extend to the Post Family our most sincere offering of condolence.
To be reminded this is not an ending, but, alas a new begining to the non ending life of Abraham, Michael, Martin and all the wise seers of the almighty ages of times gone and yet to come. Be full of joy - the journey to Glory has at long last begun. Be brave Sister Elizabeth, and go into the Light this Day of the new life. Amen
Sheila Smith
April 27, 2010
Thank you and God bless.
brenda
April 27, 2010
When I was married 51 years ago at 19 I moved 1000 miles from where I grew up to new home and a new life.My mother bought me an Emily Post book that was my bible for many years. I learned to write thank you notes to set a proper table etc.
The Turner Family
April 27, 2010
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Elizabeth Post. May God, "the Father of tender mercies and of all comfort", ease the pain during this difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
April 27, 2010
I remember her as a gracious lady...Pat M Danville, Va.
April 27, 2010
Thank you for all of the great things that my mother taught me from your books. God Bless
Gail Siegel
April 27, 2010
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Elizabeth for the loss of your beloved family member.
Rest In Peace, Elizabeth. You will be missed.
R Golay
April 27, 2010
To the the family of Elizabeth Post - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Elizabeth will be missed by many.
M. H.
April 27, 2010
Emily Post, my mothers bible. Thank you for continuing her legacy. You made the world just a little more civilized.
April 27, 2010
We owe her a debt of gratitude
Antonio
April 27, 2010
Dear family of Elizabeth I am so sorry for your lost. let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says Draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
Lynn Black
April 27, 2010
Dear Family I am sorry for your loss.Please find comfrot in Gods word the Bible. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Amanda Crettet
April 27, 2010
I am sincerely sorry for you loss. What a wonderful legacy of manners Mrs. Post has left.
Amanda Crettet
Former owner of Crettet's Stationery
Victoria VZj
April 27, 2010
"Im loss for words"
To the family of
~ElizaBeth~
so sorry my condolences
I send out to you&yours..
She was known for her
Talent..thank you..
Helpful comments/articles
many of us
know her as LIBBY~
And very much
sadly missed yet never
forgotten my Dear friend..
May you have a warm Journey
As Angels follow your footprints
in the Spirit life of Eternal light
GodBless you in memory ElizaBeth Post~
April 27, 2010
I am sincerely sorry for you loss. What a wonderful legacy of manners Mrs. Post has left.
Amanda Crettet
Former owner of Crettet's Stationery
Covington, LA
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
Make a Donation
in Elizabeth Post's name
How to support Elizabeth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elizabeth Post's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored