LUELLA LEVITT-HAYS (SHAW)

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LUELLA LEVITT-HAYS (nee SHAW) Died peacefully with her family by her side at the Sharon Home on November 12, 2006. Luella was born to Abe and Esther Shaw, she grew up with her brother Mel and a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins in Winnipeg's north end. After a brief courtship she married Allan Levitt in 1953. Sadly their first child died at three of Tay-saks. They adopted their second child Janice in 1958. Through the 60s Luella devoted herself to her home and family, indulging her passion for art at home and classes at the Forum Art Institute. In the 70s Luella was able to immerse herself in art by enrolling in the Fine Arts Program at the University of Manitoba. There she was able to develop her talent, working with different mediums and styles until finding her real expertise lay in realism. After graduating she worked full time in her studio producing a series of life size portraits, numerous commissions and receiving several Art's Council grants. Two of her commissions are permanently hanging in the Manitoba Legislative Building. In the 80s Luella became active in CARFAC (Canadian Artists Representation) fund raising and promoting local Artists and their work. She served two years as the president of CARFAC Manitoba and sat on the Manitoba Art's Council. In 1983 her husband Allan died and Luella returned full time to her studio and her work. In 1985 she married John Hays. Her love of animals inspired her to begin The Driftnet, a series depicting the devastation of driftnet fishing. The series consists of three paintings of sea animals and a 48 foot canvas of a driftnet under water. This one woman show was the last of the public displays of her work which date back to the mid 60s. In the late 90s Alzheimers began to take its toll and Luella gradually stopped working. She spent the last years of her life at home with her husband John and her animals. She leaves behind an incredible body of work and a family that will miss her very much. Her family would like to thank the Sharon Home for their care and support in the last few months of Luella's life. Condolences can be paid to the family Sunday, November 19 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at 624 Sherburn St. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2006