Leona Banks Malach

Contemporary, Mid-Century American Artist, Leona Banks Malach was born in Norfolk, VA, on September 17, 1919. She was the fourth of five children born to L.W. Banks and Mary Banks. She studied Fine Art at the “Hermitage” in Norfolk, Virginia. She also attended “Traphagen” in New York, NY, for the study of Fashion and Design. Leona worked up to the position of Advertising Director at Rice’s Department Store in Norfolk, VA, and on the art staff of the Dallas Times Herald after moving to Dallas where she met her late husband, Gordon Malach of Beaumont. They were married 30 years until his death living in Beaumont and moving to Dallas in the 1980’s. As an artist, Mrs. Malach ‘s work has been exhibited at the Texas Art Museum and Art Galleries in Beaumont, TX, as well as the American Artistry Art Gallery, Dutch Art Gallery, Texas Fine Art Association, And World Trade Center and Apparel Mart, all in Dallas, TX. Leona painted and sold her art her entire life. Leona loved her family, her religion, her art, her neighbors, her friends and playing bridge. She was a member of Temple Emanuel Dallas. She is survived by sister Irene Banks Jacobs of Dallas; sister-in-law Bess Banks of Norfolk, VA; niece and Goddaughter, Susan Dale Jacobs of Dallas and partner Lori Tollerud; nephew Dennis and wife Beth Jacobs of Dallas, great nephews Matthew and Scott Jacobs of Dallas; nieces and nephews Sandi and Marshall Levy of Gaithersburg, MD; Marc Banks of Norfolk, VA; Abbie and Mike Neary of Norfolk, VA; and Edward and Judy Mirmelstein of Newport News, VA. Preceded in death by brothers Adolph and Julian Banks of Norfolk, VA; and Sister Grace Banks Mirmelstein of Newport News, VA. Many thanks to her numerous caregivers over the years, especially Debbie Saunders for her loving care and friendship. In her memory, the family asks in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Emanuel Building Fund, or Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 1600 Viceroy Drive, Dallas, TX