Violet Loo Obituary

VIOLET VI SOO WUN LOO A devoted philanthropist, arts patron, educator, and beloved matriarch whose generosity and leadership helped shape Hawai'i's cultural and educational landscape, passed away leaving a lasting legacy of service, vision, and compassion. Born in Singapore, Vi was the daughter of Sir Run Run Shaw and Lady Lilly Shaw of the famed Shaw Brothers Studio, one of the most influential film studios in the history of Chinese cinema. At age 13 she was sent to the United States for her education, attending The Shipley School in Pennsylvania before earning her bachelor's degree from Bryn Mawr College and a master's degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley. She later made her home in Honolulu with her husband, Paul C. T. Loo, then a senior vice president at Dean Witter and a founding member of Hawaii Pacific University. Together they became dedicated supporters of education, the arts, and community life in Hawai'i. Vi served as a trustee or board member for numerous organizations including the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Institute for Human Services, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, the Honolulu Symphony, the Oceanic Institute, the Hawai'i International Film Festival, Hawaii Pacific University, and Chaminade University of Honolulu. A passionate advocate for the arts, she served as Chairman of the Board for both the Contemporary Museum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts, helping orchestrate their historic 2011 merger that created today's Honolulu Museum of Art. Earlier in her career she managed Chinese film releases throughout the United States and Canada and later served as Fashion Director for Liberty House, earning a place on the Honolulu Advertiser's Best Dressed List for ten consecutive years. She also chaired or co-chaired numerous charitable events including the Junior League's first television auction, a Chanel fashion show, the American Heart Association Heart Ball, Kama'aina Christmas at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and the Contemporary Museum's "Contempo" gala. Together with her husband, Vi helped establish the Paul C. T. & Violet Shaw Loo Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Paul & Vi Loo Student Center and Paul & Vi Loo Theatre at Hawaii Pacific University, the Paul & Vi Loo Vestibule at Dartmouth College, and the pavilion at St. Clement's Episcopal Church. Their philanthropy also created scholarships for students at The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr College, University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, Punahou School, Hawaii Pacific University, and Chaminade University. Most recently, she helped establish the new Loo Family Laboratory facilities at Hawaii Pacific University, which opened last year. Vi lived life with energy and grace. She was an avid tennis player, art collector, world traveler, and yoga enthusiastfamously able to perform headstands well into her seventies. She was predeceased by her husband Paul Loo and daughter, Pamela Loo Mayer. She is survived by her son Rodney Loo and daughter-in-law Kristi Loo; her grandchildren Alana Mayer, Kalei Mayer, Adam Loo, Kendra Loo, and Violet Loo; and her brother Harold Shaw. Her generosity, elegance, and dedication to community will be remembered by all whose lives touched. Private services. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC