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Neda Walburga Alhilali

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University of California Los Angeles

Neda Alhilali Obituary

November 26, 1938 - September 13, 2025 (née Walburga Luise Hedwig Marianne Boehm)
Neda aka Neda Al-Hilali, passed away in Mexico, at the age of 86.
Born in Cheb, Czechoslovakia. Neda studied art in Munich and London, where she met Khalid Alhilali. They married in 1959 and lived in Baghdad, Iraq before moving to Los Angeles for graduate studies at UCLA. They later divorced.
She was an internationally recognized textile artist, with works exhibited worldwide and included in the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art.
Neda had a distinguished career as an artist and educator, known for innovative techniques and materials. As art professor at Scripps Graduate College in Claremont, CA she mentored generations of students.
Beyond her professional achievements, Neda was celebrated for her creativity, and generosity. She believed that in difficult times, art could bring optimism and happiness. After retiring, she continued to paint, drawing inspiration from her garden, and travels.
She is survived by her son, Ali his wife Ena; daughter, Yasemi; granddaughters, Marisa and Jessica; and two great-grandchildren.
May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Oct. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Neda Alhilali

14 Entries

Ali

January 30, 2026

One of Neda's large installation pieces

Elaine Ridings

December 23, 2025

Neda, I loved our many outings to museums and restaurants. Thank you for all of your lovely art and for sharing your life with me. I miss your enthusiasm for life! I was always a big fan of your artistic style... all those huge installments were just amazing. I will treasure you always. Much love to you.

Mina M

December 12, 2025

I'd like to express my condolences to Neda's family. Neda was a wonderful teacher and mentor to me as a Scripps student. Her creativity was so boundless and inspirational for me to witness as a developing artist. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to have known her and carry many fond memories of her mentorship. She was truly a force of nature and a beautiful soul. Rest In Peace, Neda.

Christa

December 1, 2025

I want to say sorry to Neda`s Family because they have lost Neda, that wonderful Grandma and Artist. I am Christa, Walburga`s classmate at SCHOOl at Deggendorf, Bavaria. At that time she was already very creative and produced beautiful drawings and paintings. And she had the Great Dream of becoming an artist.

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Marc Lindahl

November 26, 2025

Mother of my friend Ali.... she was a nice woman.

Blanca Lopez

November 18, 2025

I work with Neda for several years in the 80´s , she was like my mother as she was very generous . We spend years together, working , eating, telling stories about our countries, etc.
Neda was one of the most intellectual, smart and intelligent person I have ever met.
I look at her art , and see that every single piece has story to tell as she put out her love in every Art piece she created. (I was there to help and support and weaved some of her art work.
As a single mother myself she gave me a job that helped to pay my rent and have food in the table. She will forever be in my heart and memory.
She has been a great part of life. She will live in my heart and memories until I died myself. She loves her kids Jasemi and Ali.
With Love Blanca Lopez. Rest in Peace my lovely angel from heaven . Love you until eternity

Andrew Erskine

November 16, 2025

Condolences. Neda's son and I were friends as students at Santa Monica High in the late 1970's.

Zeineb Al-Hilali

November 13, 2025

I am writing on behalf of Akram Al-Hilali's children, Khalid's brother. We are so saddened by the demise of Neda.

Neda was loved by all who knew her, including our parents, uncles, and aunts. We still remember our mother telling us about the beautiful handmade gift she received by mail when I was born, and how our aunt Amna lived with her brother Khalid and his wife Neda for two years because her school was close to their house and far away from her home. My uncle Hamid also told me how she patiently put up with his mischief when he was young. I still remember her coming to visit us in the hotel in Los Angeles with my father with, of course, gifts, and inviting us later for a meal in a hotel that displayed her paintings.

Neda will always be remembered. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. May she rest in peace.

Remembering Neda,

Zeineb Al-Hilali

Ail Al-Hilali

November 5, 2025

We will be having a memorial for Neda in the next few months, enable updates or keep an eye on this page for details.

Ali

November 2, 2025

Some pictures with friends, family and recent visits

Maggie LePique

November 2, 2025

I got to see Neda not too long ago, when she was moving out of her apartment and she was very kindly giving away sons of her artwork. She was very kind and genuine person, and I´ve been friends with her son Ali for over 20 years. I´m hoping she´s at peace and resting well.

Lori Lovering

October 28, 2025

My sincerest condolences to the members of Neda's family for her loss.
Neda was the most inspiring textile design instructor I've ever had. What a pleasure to study under her during my 2 years of undergraduate studies at Scripps College 1976-1978. I am now 67 years old, but I remember her imagination, sense of humor and vision to this day.