LEINBACH, Ellen Wight
Ellen, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and teacher died in Tucson on Monday, March 12, 2018. Ellen was a child of Hawaii, a sixth generation Hawaiian. Her ancestors came from Boston, arriving in Hawaii in 1828. Born on September 4, 1948 and raised in Hawaii, Ellen graduated from Punahou, as did many of those ancestors, in 1966. She met her husband William while both attended the University of Arizona. They were married in 1970 and happily added their daughter to the threesome in 1971. Ellen earned her MFA at the University of Arizona in 1985 and commenced a distinguished teaching career at Pima College, the U of A and several schools in Florida. Her clear acumen centered on her teaching of drawing. Her Art Department Chair in Florida said she was "the best drawing teacher she had ever encountered." She was beloved by her students, who produced remarkable work under her guidance. Her success resulted from her devotion to both her craft and students. Ellen was especially close to her family: her husband, her daughter Hannah, her son-in-law Patrick and, oh my, her granddaughters Stella and Flora. Christmas and Thanksgiving were with them, as was spring break and large portions of the summer. She cherished her time and activities with them in their rapid development. The girls will carry a lifetime of love and memories of their "Tutu." Ellen had a number of very close friends. They know who they are. The utter sadness of her passing is tempered by the everlasting love, both received and given, by family and friends. There will be a Graveside Service this summer in Honolulu.
