Eliza Silliman Balis Chrystie

Eliza Silliman Balis Chrystie, adored wife of Thomas Ludlow Chrystie, died on May 8, 2024 at Bishop Gadsden, Charleston, SC.  She was 89 years old. Born in New York City on June 9, 1934, she was the eldest daughter of C. Wanton Balis, Jr. of Philadelphia and Eleanor Silliman Hawkes.  Eliza grew up in Sands Point, Long Island, New York and Coconut Grove, Florida.  She married Thomas Ludlow Chrystie on her 21st birthday, and gave birth to her eldest son three months before she graduated from Barnard College in 1956.  

Eliza and Tom raised their five children in Short Hills, NJ.  Always photographing with an artistic eye, Eliza embraced the chance to accompany Tom on Merrill Lynch business trips to Europe, Asia, and Russia. The Chrysties' move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming gave them endless outdoor opportunities. Sketching and painting (Eliza) and fly-fishing (Tom) were favorites, as well as camping trips on horseback with friends and family. 

Eliza was an accomplished plein-air painter with a specialty in watercolor landscapes and wildflower sketches. She served on the art acquisition committee of The Wildlife Museum of the American West, and created work for the benefit of several non-profit organizations in Jackson, as well as for Middleton Place in Charleston, SC.

Eliza is predeceased by two sons: Thomas Witter Chrystie and James McDougall Chrystie.  

She is survived by two sisters: Ann L. Morse and Betsy Goodyear;  a brother, Tony Balis; three daughters: Alice Wyman of New Canaan,CT, Helen Hipp of Jericho, VT and Adden Chrystie of San Francisco, CA; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Middleton Place Foundation, Beth Kerrigan, Director of Development, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414.