Daphne Solá

Daphne Solá of Trumansburg, NY passed away June 10, 2025 at Beechtree, after an exuberant 99 ½ years of life. She was a lover of cats, books, white daffodils, tea, and the view of her pond. She was proud of her kids, also a devoted friend. She will be remembered as tenacious, determined, opinionated and sometimes irascible.

A creative force in the community, she was a prolific poet, pianist, singer, and artist inspired by the local terrain, her worldwide travels, and a wide range of human emotions. She established Solá Gallery in Dewitt Mall, joined Art Trail, co-founded Ithaca Ballet, and recently published a poetry collection, A Myth in Reverse. She dictated her last poem from her hospital bed.

Born December 6, 1925 in Georgetown, British Guiana to Elka Korman and Charles Henry Ludolph Schuler, she and her older sister Norma (Loonan) immigrated to New York City in 1929. She graduated from Hunter College High School and Queens College where she majored in music.

In 1946, she married Donald F. Solá, and moved to the Finger Lakes in 1950. Daphne is survived by her children and their spouses, Michèle (Adrian Bennett), Cristina (C. Barry Hills) and Matthew (Maki Amemiya), grandchildren (Caitlin, Nico, Octavia, Buddy and Lucy) and their spouses, vivacious loving namesake and great-granddaughter Daphne Marie, as well as nieces and nephews.

The family will host friends at their home in Jacksonville on Saturday, June 14 from 3-5 p.m. A gathering for family at Nine Pines will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Ithaca Children’s Garden.