Brenda Fuchs

KATHARINE BRENDA FUCHS, 72, passed away December 8, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Harry Fuchs, a principal cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, and the late Jean (Polsky) Fuchs. Brenda graduated from Shaker Heights High School and the Cleveland Institute of Art, then embarked on her life as an artist for art’s sake, not acclaim or recognition. For most of her adult life, Brenda was seldom without a pencil, pastel or paintbrush in her hand. She may have been the first local artist to work with patients in the VA Hospital, decades before art therapy became a recognized form of treatment. Brenda was also among the few local artists to be consigned by commercial firms for work published in The Plain Dealer. Commissioned by the Rooney family to create a mural commemorating the Pittsburgh Steelers, she did so, but remained a lifelong fan of the Browns and the Indians. Brenda was also a lifelong advocate for the protection and care of animals. Brenda leaves behind a circle of close friends, her “family”; Jim Krause, her partner of 28 years; and a larger circle of friends and acquaintances in the Cleveland arts community, all of whom were touched by her wit and charm. At heart a very private person who made her own way with her own style, Brenda was thoughtful in all she did and said, and valued her friends, her art and her cats above all else. Brenda will be terribly missed by all who were lucky enough to have been her friend. Contributions in Brenda's memory can be made to the local SPCA or the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Interment will be private.

A celebration of Brenda's life will take place in the spring of 2012. This obituary will be reprinted with the details of that celebration.