Lillian Jane Volk

Family-Placed Obituary

LILLIAN JANE VOLK Lillian Jane Kinney Volk, a preservationist who devoted much of her life protecting the work of her late husband, iconic Palm Beach architect, John L. Volk, as well as the other esteemed architects who created the recognizable and now often imitated visual face of the town, passed away on March 15, 2010 in her 88th year. Regal and statuesque, she was blessed with a striking, natural beauty. She wore a signature chignon high on the crown and her lively blue eyes complimented her candor. Raised in Springfield, MA, she often visited "pioneer" relatives in Miami and married John Volk in 1947 after a whirlwind romance. Together and individually, the pursuit of their dedicated interests has left an enduring legacy. Throughout her participation and leadership on many boards, including trustee of The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, The Palm Beach County Historical Society and The Norton Gallery of Art (now Norton Museum), her primary focus, which she shared with her late husband, was her devotion to the Town of Palm Beach and the importance of protecting and maintaining the unique, historic character and charm of the Island. The Volks resided in a landmarked structure in Phipps Plaza within the Town's first Historic District, which they named Casa de Los Arcos, "House of Arches", and they ardently encouraged the landmark designation of other districts and individual structures of significance within the town. As Chairwoman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Mrs. Volk was often a fierce, outspoken advocate. While defending against an effort to tear down an historic building she said, "a demolished building is totally irreplaceable." To honor the memory of her late husband, she established the John L. Volk Archives and the John L. Volk Foundation and co-authored a book on his life and work. Mrs. Volk was a graduate of American International College, receiving both a BA and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Additionally, she was recognized as an accomplished painter and needlework artist. She was also devoted to her cats and often depicted them in her artwork. Many of the cats, including " Treasure McTreasure-King of Nothingham", "Pearly Gates" and "Daffy, the Indian Princess", were recipients of her well-known humor. Her interests included extensive travel and a love of opera. She was a member of the Everglades Club, the Beach Club and a former long-time member of the Bath and Tennis Club where she was the first Chairwoman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Mrs. Volk was also a lay reader at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda by the Sea where she will be interred together with her beloved husband. Lillian Jane Volk is survived by her devoted son, John Kinney Volk and daughter-in-law, Lory Volk of West Palm Beach as well as cherished god children and friends and her family of grand cats, dogs and other of God's creatures, great and small, which she loved so dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, April 15, 2010, at The Episcopal Church at Bethesda by the Sea in Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Volk's memory may be made to the John L. Volk Foundation, c/o Reynolds Cochrane, 2801 Exchange Ct, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 or the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, 311 Peruvian Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Quattlebaum Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated (561) 832-5171 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries