Polly Lou Livingston

Born May 6, 1929 to M.O. and Pauline Simon, Polly Lou enjoyed a childhood that has been immortalized in countless stories, including the one about her dog driving the family car down Main Street. Stories like this have been loved by all of those who were fortunate enough to hear them.

As Polly grew up, she would accompany her “daddy” on buying trips to New York City for the family business, M.O. Simon Company, a department store in downtown Victoria. She met and mingled with famous designers - most notably Claire McCardell, who personally made Polly’s wedding dress, which is now housed in the permanent fashion collection at the University of Texas. Moving ahead to 2014, Polly was awarded best-dressed woman by the San Antonio Current. During the interview, Polly stated, “I was playing dress up before I was born”. Polly Lou married Bobby Livingston in the early 50’s and they had two children, Carol and Ben, who they frequently referred to as the “other couple”.

A true artist in every sense with an intrinsic love of all things beautiful, Polly easily fit into the art world. She recognized and introduced artists from all over Texas. From there, Polly Lou launched her ever-famous Art-Tea Parties. In true Polly-fashion, and these became a huge sensation.

In the 80’s the Tea Parties morphed into Polly Lou’s grand achievement, Polly Lou’s Parties - A visual whirlwind of theatrical whimsy with every detail perfectly executed. Polly Lou collaborated with well-known artists such as Bill Wilhelmi, Ray Chavez, and Kevin and Cindy Jordan. At the height of her career Polly was commissioned to create a Texas themed party for the Washington Project for the Arts in Washington DC. An old-time, neon-lit saloon with a saw dust covered dance floor was created, featuring well known Texas artists such as Bob Wade, Nancy O’Connor, Terry Allen and his Pan Handle Mystery Band and of course, the reigning Terlingua Chili Cook-off Champion. A mechanical bull rode the train from Gilley’s in Pasadena Texas to Washington DC in order to complete the perfect Lone Star vibe. Among her many accolades, Polly Lou sat on the Dean’s Council of Fine Arts at the University of Texas as well as the Gala Committee for UT’s Center for the Performing Arts.

In 2008 American animator, screenwriter, producer and voice actor Penn Ward cast Polly in his Emmy Award winning cartoon series Adventure Time. She played a sexy little green elephant named Tree Trunk. To say the series was a smash hit is an understatement, launching Polly Lou into global pop stardom. An energy and spirit as that of Polly Lou’s will forever remain in the hearts of all that have known and loved her. She was a true Texas original and a very fine lady indeed.

On January 24th, 2021, Polly Lou passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and beloved caregivers, Sonia Lopez, Dehlia Leija, and her sister Idalia Leija. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Magloff (Stuart) of Canyon Lake; her son, Ben Livingston (Patricia Elias) of Austin, grandchildren, Spencer Magloff, Sarah Magloff, and Autumn Elias Kessler; her sister, Iris Rubin of San Antonio: nephews, Joe and Jamo Rubin; and her #1 cousin, Joe Cohn of Corpus Christi. Polly Lou is preceded in death by her husband Robert G. Livingston, and her parents, Pauline and M.O. Simon. Polly Lou will rest alongside her family at the Evergreen Jewish Cemetery in Victoria, Texas. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin or The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in the links below.

There will be a video-conference memorial to honor Polly through Temple Beth El at 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Please join us by using the 'Watch Event' link below under events.