Lipika Nath-Balding Frith's Obituary
Lipika Nath-Balding Frith was a shining light whose warmth, humor, and generosity touched everyone she met. She delighted in life’s small details, built community wherever she went, and loved fiercely—and was fiercely loved in return. She passed away on Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025, surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved dachshund, Honey Badger. A private burial will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.
Born on April 21, 1972, in Tallahassee, Lipika grew up in her beloved hometown and graduated from Florida High. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the Florida State University where her passion for learning deepened and her lifelong devotion to FSU took root. She later received her certificate as an End-of-Life Doula from the University of Vermont.
In 2004, Lipika met the love of her life, Jerry Frith. They shared 20 wonderful years together. Lipika was a devoted wife, sister to Nita, mother to Kris and Maya Grace, and community member, always eager to support causes of humanity, justice, and equality. Inspired by her parents and shaped by her time at the FSU Women’s Center, Lipika’s lifelong passion for service and activism began early and never waned.
With her humor, warmth, and creativity, Lipika built community everywhere she went. She never met a stranger—whether chatting with a security guard at a concert or connecting deeply with a vendor at the market, she connected with each person she met with openness and unconditional love.
She embraced life joyfully and fully, and found community in her writing critique groups, book clubs, and FSU College Family Reunions. Lipika gave generously of her time as a volunteer, including as a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and through groups like the Tallahassee Parrot Heads Club and Word of South. Professionally, she served the State of Florida for 15 years, supporting Florida families facing complex challenges and helped them find meaningful solutions. Recently, Lipika fulfilled a lifelong dream by self-publishing Whispers in the Wild, a collection of poetry inspired by her love of nature. She often ventured with Jerry to St. Marks to capture the physical world’s beauty, first with her eyes and then, with her Nikon.
Lipika’s parting wish for her friends and family was to carry forward the spirit in which she lived: take a leisurely walk and soak in the moment, call an old friend just to check in, and pursue that one thing you’ve always wanted to do.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Frith; her children, Kristopher Nath-Balding and Maya Grace Nath Frith, all of Tallahassee; her sister, Nita Nath Smith and her husband, Doug, and their children, Kendall and Colin; her mother-in-law, Barbara Cannon; her sisters-in-law Lisa Edwards (Tommy), Amanda Godwin (Kiel), Michelle Frenton (Brody), and Katie Cannon Logan (Dustin); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sunil B. and Abha R. Nath; her father-in-law, Jerry Frith Sr.; her father-in-law, Gary Cannon; and her brother-in-law, Leon Bethea.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation or your favorite charity.
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