Marie Kavanaugh Graves Zimmerman

January 27, 1924 - December 27, 2020

Marie Kavanaugh Graves Zimmerman peacefully passed away at Treyton Oaks Towers on December 27th, 2020 at 96 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Lee Zaurie Zimmerman, son in law, Craig LeClair of Lexington, MA, and two grandchildren, Justin Z. LeClair and Dr. Marie NaPier LeClair Born on January 27, 1924 in Frankfort, Kentucky, Marie spent her adult life in Louisville. She received a degree in art history from the University of Louisville and followed this passion to Paris where she thrived for five years in the rich post-war art scene, supporting her artist husband, Leo Zimmerman, through her work on the Marshall Plan at the American Embassy. (Photo: Marie returning from Paris, Life Magazine, July 1953) Inspired by the vibrance of the Parisian art community, Marie spearheaded bringing the arts to forefront in Louisville. Marie was a champion and supreme connector of artists, sponsors, and novice art enthusiasts. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Marie and her late husband Leo were art entrepreneurs in Old Louisville, published a magazine, “Arts In Louisville” and operated The Society for the Arts in Louisville, the first integrated private club south of the Mason Dixon line. Strong, beautiful, adventurous, and free-spirited, she contributed to all the arts, but especially to her most beloved ones; dance and opera. Her love of opera is reflected in a 25-year tenure on the board of the Kentucky Opera Association, and love of dance as the founding mother of Ballet Espanol. She also brought her boundless energy, creativity and talent to her volunteer work with the Art Center Association, Shakespeare in Central Park, Sister Cities, Louisville Ballet, and the Louisville Historical Society. A Memorial Service will be held in the fall. Private burial will be in Cave Hill Cemetery.