KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Adele Hall, the wife of Donald J.Hall, Sr., chairman of the board and majority shareholder of Hallmark Cards, has died, according to Hallmark.
She was 81.
Hall died Saturday while in Hawaii with her husband.
RELATED: Special section on Hallmark website remembering Adele
Hallmark employees were reportedly told the news on Monday.
Hall served on numerous boards including United Way of America, the United Negro College Fund, Points of Light Foundation, Children’s Mercy Hospital and Youth Volunteer Corps.
She is survived by her husband, Don; sons Donald Jr. and his wife Jill and David E. Hall and his wife Laura; daughter Margaret Hall Pence and her husband Keith; nine grandchildren who fondly called her “Nunu:” Sarah Bloss and her husband Brian Bloss, Andy Pence, Helen Hall, Michael Pence, Will Hall, Rebecca Hall, Allison Hall, Katherine Hall and Julia Hall; her four-legged family Holly, Benny and Cory; hundreds of friends who will remember her ever-present smile and genuine kindness; and thousands of families who benefited from her vision of a brighter future and unflagging efforts to make that vision a reality.
In lieu of flowers and in tribute to Adele’s lifelong commitment to others, the family suggests contributions to The Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Pembroke Hill School, The Salvation Army, The United Way of Greater Kansas City or Wayside Waifs.
Arrangements are pending, Hallmark said.
Hallmark Cards is based in Kansas City, Mo.
Statement from Children’s Mercy Hospital:
“We are stunned and deeply saddened to lose our greatest supporter and friend,” says Randall L. O’Donnell, PhD, President and CEO, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “There are not enough superlatives to describe our grief. Adele Hall was a true champion of Children’s Mercy. She and her family have made numerous, significant gifts and she leaves a legacy of generosity and commitment to this hospital and community.”
Statement from United Way of Kansas City:
“On January 28, we learned of the passing of one of our community’s great leaders and philanthropists, Adele Hall. The contributions she made to our organization as well as the Greater Kansas City community are countless. She led with heart, was selfless with her time, put people before herself and did so because it was what she believed the right thing to do. The entire United Way of Greater Kansas City family is saddened by her passing and everyone within the organization wishes the Hall family the best as they deal with the passing of a beloved family member and friend. She will be missed by all.“
