UPDATED TUESDAY, Feb. 18: The pastor of Laurey Masterton’s church congregation reports that Masterton died early Tuesday morning.

SUNDAY, Feb. 16: Laurey Masterton, the owner of a popular downtown cafe who has publicly battled cancer for years and is known for living her life by the catchphrase “Don’t postpone joy,” is facing declining health.

Masterton’s church announced that she has hospice care. Masterton’s page on Facebook is active with dozens of postings from people wishing her love and support.

Cancer has been an ever-present factor in 59-year-old Masterton’s life. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer more than 20 years ago. At age 12, she lost both her parents to cancer. She moved to Asheville with a degree in theater design and lighting, intent on creating classes for cancer survivors. But a love of food and cooking took hold, and Masterton opened her cafe in downtown Asheville in 1990. Today, Laurey’s is a popular stop on Biltmore Avenue.

A few years ago, Masterton rode her bicycle across country to raise money for ovarian cancer. In 2010, she and several hundred other chefs from around the U.S. joined Michelle Obama at the White House to help the First Lady launch “Chefs Move to Schools,” a project to end childhood obesity.



Also in 2010, Masterton participated in TEDx Asheville and delivered a talk about the importance of honey bees and her love of beekeeping. She published a cookbook that same year titled “The Fresh Honey Cookbook: 84 Recipes from a Beekeeper’s Kitchen.”

But Masterton’s charisma eclipsed any of her accomplishments. She expressed endless energy, love and support for her friends and community, all of which was being reflected back to her on her Facebook page. A few examples: