Magida Hadid Hyatt

Magida Hadid Hyatt, a Palestinian American artist born to Anwar and Khair Hadid, passed peacefully in her Walnut Creek home surrounded by loved ones on March 16, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, David Hyatt, her son Nabeel Hyatt, and daughter Deena Hyatt.

Born in 1952 as a Palestinian refugee in Damascus, Syria, Magida's family immigrated to the U.S. when she was 13 with her seven brothers and sisters: Ghada Harnden, Mohamed Hadid, Raida Al-Hassan, Sana Hadid, Majid Hadid, Mahmoud Hadid, and Maha Matar.

Magida was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, and artist. Informed by her background in interior design, and as a floral designer at her sister's flower shop, Magida took up painting following the death of her mother who she helped take care of for many years.

She quickly proved to be a prolific talent, studying at the Vander Zee School of Painting in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Her works sold to private collectors as well as in galleries. The most important gallery, with the largest collection of artwork, remains in her own beautiful home where she left a stunning legacy.

"My art is inspired by the natural, political and social worlds, their paradoxes, contrasts and conflicts. I paint not to represent but to express."

Magida was truly multicultural, traveling extensively with her husband David, and living abroad in Bangkok and London, before coming back to the United States. She lived in McLean, Virginia for many years before recently moving to California to be closer to her daughter, son, and his family.

She lived life to the fullest with a joie de vivre. Fearless in the face of adversity, Magida was a firecracker with a vibrant spirit, quick wit and kind heart. She was unabashedly herself, radiating positivity, cutting through the BS, and always making everyone laugh. A kindred spirit inspiring strangers, friends, and family alike to live life in a way that breaks out from the norm while still keeping tradition alive.

Family will receive guests beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at the National Funeral Home in Falls Church, Virginia. A celebration of Magida's life is scheduled for 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Magida Hyatt's memory can be sent to the UNRWA which assists Palestinian refugees with education, primary healthcare and social services. Donate at unrwausa.org