Obituary of Fay Loeb

FAY LOEB

We lost a great lady this week. Fay Loeb passed away as she lived, in control of even that final decision.  She lived a long and glorious life.  Fay was a force of nature who was much loved and will be sorely missed.  She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Jules, and is survived by her two daughters Karen (Steve) and Audrey (David) as well as her two grandchildren T.H and Gregory and her five adorable great-grandchildren Samantha, Allyson, Jason, Oscar and Lola.

Fay lived life to the fullest.  Fay and Jules were avid art collectors.  They started 60 years ago when they bought their first painting in Paris. From then on, she and Jules began to collect in earnest.  She was an accomplished art collector and dealer and loved nothing more than spending hours in galleries finding artists who she predicted would be successful and whose compositions touched her.  She chose her art intuitively and she did it well.  On at least one occasion she was so taken by an artist’s work that she bought his entire show.  She was rarely proven wrong.  She was completely self-taught and rose to be President of the Board of the National Gallery of Canada.  She created many philanthropic projects in the art world, including the first art auction and the sale of limited edition sculptures both of which were to raise funds for charitable causes.  She had a natural eye and she used it.  Much of Fay and Jules’ Canadian art can be found in many cultural institutions in Ontario.

Her homes were filled with art which to her was like life.  Jules was a willing partner.  Together they enjoyed all that life had to offer.  Those who visited their home would see paintings on the ceilings as they ran out of room to hang on the walls.  She and Jules had many friends with whom they spent happy times and until well into their 80’s they were active golfers, tennis players and bridge players.

They loved to travel and did so extensively.  Fay is the last of the original Ottawa Loeb “clan”.  She was one of the six wives of the six Loeb brothers.  The family was philanthropic, prominent and proud to be Ottawans.  With her passing an era comes to a close.  We shall miss her spirit, her glamour, her great taste and style.  Fay was a woman who always left an indelible impression.

The family is holding a private service.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.  Donations in memory of Fay Loeb can be made to Jewish National Fund Tree Planting in Israel.