Karen Kals "Lulu" Ezekiel

1935 - 2023

Karen "Lulu" Kals Ezekiel
02/26/1935 - 12/02/2023
Lulu Ezekiel was a memorable figure known for her creative spirit, irreverent humor, and generous heart. Born Karen Kals in Vienna, Austria, in 1935, her family changed their surname from Katz to Kals to conceal their Jewish heritage, a fact Lulu only learned about much later in her life. Fleeing Austria after Hitler annexed the country in 1938, the family moved to France before immigrating to Vancouver in January 1939.
Lulu and her sister, Maria, attended The Windsor Mountain School in Massachusetts. Lulu went on to study at L'Ecole d'Humanite in Switzerland and earned a BA in English and Psychology from Reed College in Portland in 1956. She received an MFA in painting from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland in 1958. At Reed College, Lulu met and married Jonathan "Zeke" Ezekiel. Their marriage lasted until the late 1960s, though the two remained friends.
A prolific artist, she worked in painting, sculpture, murals, textiles, and illustration, authoring several children's books and painting murals in homes, schools, churches, and health centers. Her work was widely exhibited in the Bay Area.
Lulu sought to improve her community's mental health through her art and teaching. She worked as a mental health counselor and in early childhood education as a preschool teacher and program director in San Francisco, Washington D.C., and New York. She directed the Ocean View Co-operative Nursery School and taught at several Bay Area schools, including the Golden Gate Nursery School and TelHi Preschool in North Beach.
From 1975 to 1983, Lulu taught at the San Francisco Art Institute. During her tenure, she encouraged students to undertake community-based projects and developed significant friendships with many of them. Her work aimed to communicate beyond cultural, class, or educational lines, reflecting her belief that art was an extension of her community work.
Lulu's extensive travels around the world enriched her artistic and cultural perspectives. She maintained a lifelong practice of attending a Monday figure-drawing class and volunteered for many years with the San Francisco Talk Line.
Her daily routines included drawing, practicing tai chi, and tending to her beautiful garden and beloved North Beach home. Lulu loved deeply, read widely, and had a profound appreciation for film. Known for her sharp wit, Lulu's wisecracks continued to amuse her friends until her last day. She was a mentor, confidant, and beloved companion to many.
Lulu Ezekiel passed away in December, leaving behind a legacy of artistic and community work that touched countless lives. She was at the center of a vibrant community who cherished her contributions as a friend, elder, confidant, and teller of dirty jokes. Her lively stories and presence will be deeply missed. She is survived by her niece, Jane M. Opie, and grandnephew, Andreas A. Maltan.
There will be a gathering to remember and celebrate Lulu's life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8th at the Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco.