With a heavy heart, I remember my dear friend and gallery companion, Margaret “Lei” Jones, who left us unexpectedly this past May.
Margaret was a woman of immense kindness, gentle spirit, and an unwavering love for art and the beauty of life around her. Born in 1949 in the vibrant city of Honolulu, Hawaii, she was the daughter of a Japanese mother and a Chinese father, a heritage she carried with pride and reflected in her appreciation for diverse cultures and art forms. Margaret’s journey through life was as colorful and inspiring as the art she cherished. After graduating from Kalani High School in 1967, she ventured to Whitman College in Eastern Washington, joining the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. However, the pull of home and warmth brought her back to Hawaii, where she completed her BA in 1971 and her MA in 1972 at the University of Hawaii. Her academic journey was just the beginning of a life marked by dedication, creativity, and a deep connection to the world around her.
In Seattle, Margaret carved out a distinguished career as a paralegal in the litigation department of Foster, Pepper, and Shefelman, one of the leading legal firms in the city. Her professionalism, intelligence, and tireless work ethic made her a top figure in her field. Yet, despite her professional success, Margaret’s true passions lay in the arts and in her connection to nature. After her retirement in 2004, Margaret’s life took on a new chapter. She returned to her beloved Hawaii, where she found solace in the tranquil beauty of Maui.
Surrounded by the ocean, the mountains, and the vibrant artistic community she loved, Margaret dedicated her time to what brought her the most joy: collecting Hawaiian art and modern Japanese ceramics, reading detective novels, gardening and exploring the wonders of the world through travel. Her travels took her across Europe, Asia, and especially Japan, where she felt a deep connection to the culture of her mother’s heritage. But perhaps what defined Margaret most was her love for animals, especially her parrot, Whistle, who was her constant companion. She had a special bond with birds, cats, and dogs, and they, in turn, seemed to sense her gentle and nurturing spirit. Margaret was not just a collector of art but a creator of beauty in her own right. Her presence in the Hawaii art community was felt by many, as she supported local artists and encouraged others to see the world through the lens of creativity and compassion.
Her legacy is one of love, for people, for art, for animals, and for the world she left too soon. Though Margaret’s departure has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, her memory lives on in the art she treasured, the animals she cared for, and the lives she touched. Her spirit will continue to inspire those of us who had the privilege of calling her a friend. Rest in peace, dear Margaret. You are deeply missed, but your light shines on in the hearts of all who knew you.
– Beatrice Chang, August 2024