Welcome to the memorial page for
Br. Stephen (Everett) Updike
September 19, 1934 ~ December 13, 2017 (age 83) 83 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Valerie
on March 7, 2019 1:34 PM
Message from Dr. James Murphy
February 1, 2018 8:14 PM
Sr. Melanie,
As you know, in the years long before New Skete came to be central to the very core of your lives, Ed/Brother Stephen was a very central part of MY life as well! Ed was my very good friend for many years, and his mentoring came at a critical time of my life in ways too numerous to mention. Truth be told, during our earlier times, whether it was his helping my Dad coach Little League or his funny stories he told us all around the fireplace over coffee with the families together, I simply do not have the words to ever thank him ... and I told him as much too! In fact, at that very moment, we had discussed how Ed stood up at my Dad's retirement dinner, and came up with the hilarious opening line that, "Ed Murphy never paid me a nickel for my advice!" - which brought the house down around us all! He was a superb Dad to me when mine own father perished from cancer - and stood in his place while mother too died from this dread disease mere months later. It was at this time that he gave me the most vital advice I ever received from nearly ANYONE in my life: he said, "James, when you get into a bind in Life, just think.....what would Dad do?" And wouldn't you know it, each Christmas when we watch "It's A Wonderful Life", we see young Jimmy Stewart racing to find his own Dad, and on his way to the Savings and Loan, sees a sign that reads, " Ask Dad! HE knows!" I have more memories of Ed and the family, taking trips to Myrtle Beach, SC each Spring, or going for short trips on the road that always meant more to me than I will ever be able to say....his kids were very much my family, for Bill, Ed and Kim Hoa all were as close to me as I was to mine own brothers! In truth, over the years to arrive, Ed's background as a West Point graduate spoke volumes of the man that later underwent a remarkable change that I would never have guessed would happen. Enter Br. Stephen... and Sr. Melanie! Dot, your husband remained every bit as integral in my philosophy of living long after both of you married and became a living, breathing part of New Skete Monastery. In truth, I believe it was my father that encouraged Br. Stephen to attend there the very first time ...or was it the other way around? No matter! The point is... one should have faith, and have faith in everything! Trust in God and prayer, always, to return us to his memory, for the man who once was Ed Updike, Village Attorney who later became Brother Stephen had much more work to do, work that I may never be able to fully appreciate nor give enough merit to! But in truth, whenever I think of the monks and sisters who live there, pray there, attend vespers there... I think of people who have made a tremendous contribution to God.....by giving their lives to Him, the Lord Jesus and Him Crucified. In all truth, I think as we speak, that Br. Stephen most likely is now in a place of "joy unspeakable", a place of incredible happiness, love and tenderness that we as humans could never fully understand nor appreciate. But that great and glorious day is coming! I will always remember the man whom gave me so much in Life, for it was his example that I strived to live in the years that was sure to follow, and I can only hope that I helped as many kids as he and Dad did over the years. Amen and Amen! God hold you closely, Sr. Melanie, and know that through prayer I am with you - always. With love and understanding, Dr James Murphy
As you know, in the years long before New Skete came to be central to the very core of your lives, Ed/Brother Stephen was a very central part of MY life as well! Ed was my very good friend for many years, and his mentoring came at a critical time of my life in ways too numerous to mention. Truth be told, during our earlier times, whether it was his helping my Dad coach Little League or his funny stories he told us all around the fireplace over coffee with the families together, I simply do not have the words to ever thank him ... and I told him as much too! In fact, at that very moment, we had discussed how Ed stood up at my Dad's retirement dinner, and came up with the hilarious opening line that, "Ed Murphy never paid me a nickel for my advice!" - which brought the house down around us all! He was a superb Dad to me when mine own father perished from cancer - and stood in his place while mother too died from this dread disease mere months later. It was at this time that he gave me the most vital advice I ever received from nearly ANYONE in my life: he said, "James, when you get into a bind in Life, just think.....what would Dad do?" And wouldn't you know it, each Christmas when we watch "It's A Wonderful Life", we see young Jimmy Stewart racing to find his own Dad, and on his way to the Savings and Loan, sees a sign that reads, " Ask Dad! HE knows!" I have more memories of Ed and the family, taking trips to Myrtle Beach, SC each Spring, or going for short trips on the road that always meant more to me than I will ever be able to say....his kids were very much my family, for Bill, Ed and Kim Hoa all were as close to me as I was to mine own brothers! In truth, over the years to arrive, Ed's background as a West Point graduate spoke volumes of the man that later underwent a remarkable change that I would never have guessed would happen. Enter Br. Stephen... and Sr. Melanie! Dot, your husband remained every bit as integral in my philosophy of living long after both of you married and became a living, breathing part of New Skete Monastery. In truth, I believe it was my father that encouraged Br. Stephen to attend there the very first time ...or was it the other way around? No matter! The point is... one should have faith, and have faith in everything! Trust in God and prayer, always, to return us to his memory, for the man who once was Ed Updike, Village Attorney who later became Brother Stephen had much more work to do, work that I may never be able to fully appreciate nor give enough merit to! But in truth, whenever I think of the monks and sisters who live there, pray there, attend vespers there... I think of people who have made a tremendous contribution to God.....by giving their lives to Him, the Lord Jesus and Him Crucified. In all truth, I think as we speak, that Br. Stephen most likely is now in a place of "joy unspeakable", a place of incredible happiness, love and tenderness that we as humans could never fully understand nor appreciate. But that great and glorious day is coming! I will always remember the man whom gave me so much in Life, for it was his example that I strived to live in the years that was sure to follow, and I can only hope that I helped as many kids as he and Dad did over the years. Amen and Amen! God hold you closely, Sr. Melanie, and know that through prayer I am with you - always. With love and understanding, Dr James Murphy
A candle was lit by Bonnie Updike Lamotte
on December 21, 2017 2:53 PM
A candle was lit by Ida Williams
on December 21, 2017 11:27 AM
A candle was lit by Larry & Rose Marie Joyce
on December 18, 2017 7:37 PM
Ed (Brother Stephen) was my friend for 70 years. He lived life to the fullest doing what he was called to do with joy and enthusiasm. I will always remember our long discussions on politics, philosophy and most importantly, religion. I just learned of his death today or we would have been at the service.
Ed (Brother Stephen) was my friend for 70 years. He lived life to the fullest doing what he was called to do with joy and enthusiasm. I will always remember our long discussions on politics, philosophy and most importantly, religion. I just learned of his death today or we would have been at the service.
Message from Sr. Melanie (Dorothy Updike)
December 21, 2017 2:16 PM
Dear Larry and Rose Marie, Thank you for your condolences. He loved you both and spoke of you frequently. I'm glad we were able to get together a few times in recent years. He had been at Teresian House for about a year and a half. I am living with my daughter, Melinda. I was with him when he died. He is now free from all his pain and suffering and has returned Home. Love, Sr. Melanie
Message from Colleen Burton
December 18, 2017 3:09 PM
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of time spent at the Updike home growing up. We would have attended services but still had all children and grandchildren here due to mom ' s services .They were all such good friends.
Message from Dorothy
December 21, 2017 2:28 PM
Dear Colleen, Thank you for remembering him, especially during your own grieving for your mom. I had been hoping I would be able to join you for Eileen's funeral. All of their sufferings and cares are over, and they have gone home. Love, Dotty
Message from Father Ralph Peterson
December 17, 2017 4:44 PM
You will be in my heart and in my prayers on the Day of the Divine Liturgy. There was a special joy in sharing the friendship of a lively conversation with Br. Stephen . My beloved Birgitta always looked forward to a visit with him during our many visits in which we were blessed by sharing in the Life and Love of the New Skete Community.
This Christmas I will light a candle of Thanksgiving for the life of Br. Stephen (Everett) during the Midnight Mass at Ely Cathedral where I will be with my son and his family.
This Christmas I will light a candle of Thanksgiving for the life of Br. Stephen (Everett) during the Midnight Mass at Ely Cathedral where I will be with my son and his family.
Message from Sr. Melanie
December 21, 2017 3:04 PM
Dear Father Ralph, Thank you for your condolences. Br. Stephen was always excited when you and Birgita came to visit. He knew the two of you would have great discussions. The brothers are continuing to use Emmaus House for guests. If you visit again, you will notice the Russian tiles you gave us are still over the chair where Stephen used to sit. Thank you for all of your prayers. I will keep you in mine as well. Love, Sr. Melanie
Message from Carl Patka
December 16, 2017 5:35 PM
Anna and I are very sorry for your loss. Brother Stephen was a key person in the formation of New Skete and the properties he helped acquire will provide it a home for many years to come! - Carl and Anna Patka
Message from Sr. Melanie
December 21, 2017 3:31 PM
Dear Carl and Anna, Thank you for your condolences, even while you are also grieving. We appreciate all of the assistance you have given us as we transitioned from community life to the trials of finding medical assistance, hospital care and nursing home care for Br. Stephen. I am living with my daughter in Latham. Br. Stephen has come full circle back to New Skete. We had two beautiful services to send him Home. Memory Eternal for him and Anna's parents. I loved seeing Father serving with Christopher and and the rest of your family across the temple from me. Love, Melanie
A candle was lit by Sandra Hutchinson and family
on December 16, 2017 9:05 AM
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