Arts, civic communities mourn loss of Adele Hall

Adele and Don Hall outside Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Photo by Mark McDonald.

The Kansas City Star called Adele Hall “the first lady of Kansas City” in sharing news today of her death. Hall, a long-time civic and cultural leader in Kansas City, died Saturday at one of the family homes in Hawaii.

Hall, 81, was the wife of Donald Hall, the chairman of Hallmark Cards. She won honor and respect across Kansas City for her concern and leadership around numerous causes. Hall served as the first female president of the Heart of America United Way, chairman of the board of Children’s Mercy Hospital, and worked with numerous organizations helping children.

Hall also dedicated time and energy to arts and cultural causes. Don and Adele Hall created the Henry Moore Sculpture Garden at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. She also co-chaired a fundraising campaign that led to the museum’s expansion and the opening of the Bloch Building in 2007. The Halls also built a collection of masterpieces and donated some of them to the museum.

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The Star’s tribute to Adele Hall