Lillian Shuff Knight

Lillian Adele Shuff Knight, 91 of Venice, FL, and Shelter Harbor, Westerly, RI, died on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at Tidewell, Hospice House in Venice FL.

She was born on August 25, 1934 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Charles Boynton Shuff and Ethel Neumann Shuff. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Charles Boynton Shuff, Jr., Richard “Dick” Anthony Shuff, and her dearest friend, Suzanne “Susie” Day. 

Lillian was a graduate of New Berlin High School and Northwestern University in Illinois. Lillian had two passions in life: Music and Golf. She grew up on her family farm in New Berlin, Sangamon County, Illinois. Upon graduating from Northwestern, Lillian taught school for a few years before heading to New York City to fulfill one of her two passions, Music. The Illinois farm girl left her roots to start a singing career. She worked hard to establish herself and started to get singing auditions that ultimately lead to more steady work. Lillian was quoted as saying “When I am home in NY, I take about three lessons a week, on voice, movement and dance. Those will have to continue as long as I want to make it in this business.” Lillian achieved many accolades from journalists and audiences as she ended up singing at many top tier hotels in New England. She then had an opportunity to sing on cruise ships, another adventure Lil would not pass up, which took her all over the map.

 While in NYC, Lillian found time to learn how to play golf, her second passion, taking lessons from a legend, Harry Lighthouse Cooper. To escape the hot summers in NYC, Lillian and Susie bought a home in Shelter Harbor, RI, and immediately joined the Misquamicut Club in Watch Hill. She was also a member of Mission Valley Golf and Country Club in Florida, as over the years, Lillian split her time between Shelter Harbor and Venice. Lillian won many golf tournaments at both Clubs and had quite a following; and always willing to share golf swing and putting tips, as many lady golfers would ask. 

Lillian lead quite a career and life; yet, she was very humble and stuck to her mid-western ethic throughout. One of the funniest things Lil would say if she if she had a different viewpoint: “they don’t know the difference between beans and potatoes!” She will be sorely missed by her friends from both Shelter Harbor, RI and Venice, Florida. We are all wishing her well and take comfort in knowing that Lil is resting in peace. 

Lillian will be buried next to her brother, Richard, in Springfield, Illinois. The Shelter Harbor Conservation Society in RI will host a gathering in the Shelter Harbor Community on July 22, 2026 at 3:00pm to say good bye to Lil; and to thank Lillian and Susie for donating their beautiful front lot property for the Shelter Harbor Community to forever enjoy the naturally preserved land overlooking Quonochontaug Pond