Loulie Dodson Canady

Loulie Dodson Canady, 93, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 27, 1931, in Bogotá, Columbia, a daughter to the late Raymond Isham Dodson and Loulie Dickinson Pugh Dodson.

Loulie spent the first six years of her life in Bogotá, where her father was an executive with an American oil company. The family returned to the U.S. and settled at Rosemary Lawn, a historic property and working farm in Welcome, MD where Loulie grew up helping her mother with farm chores. A serious illness in her early teens kept Loulie from completing her formal education but did not slow down her desire to learn about the world and everything in it.

In 1955 she married William Canady, a doctoral student at American University, and the two moved to Ottawa, Ontario where Bill pursued a postdoctoral fellowship before accepting a position in Biochemistry at West Virginia University. After settling in Morgantown, Loulie became active in numerous social and charitable organizations, serving on the board of the Morgantown Public Library, the Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and the Women's Music Club of Morgantown for many years.

Summers were spent in Madison, CT, where Bill's family had a summer home in a historic farmhouse built in 1746. Loulie decorated it with antiques, second-hand treasures, and flowers, taking great pride in the maintenance of the historic property while keeping it as close to original condition as possible. One of her Madison neighbors was the famous Chef Jacques Pepin, who became an inspiration to her and the source of many wonderful recipes that she shared with (and tried out on) numerous friends.

She kept in touch with friends in Bogotá and remained fluent in Spanish her entire life. In addition to languages, her many interests included art, music (particularly classical), history, travel, antiques, cooking, and people. She was a wonderful listener who had a genuine interest in other people; she loved to make visitors welcome, and she never forgot a name. With her grace and impeccable style Loulie made Morgantown a more sophisticated and cultured community for all to enjoy. Her belief that humanity is best served through an education based on a knowledge of history, literature, and the arts never wavered, and she remained an engaged model for all who knew her.

Loulie, Bill and their daughter Valerie shared a passion for the arts, and the Canady's were generous supporters of the WVU College of Creative Arts and the Art Museum of WVU through numerous philanthropic gifts. Loulie's focus on education was always a central tenet of the Canady philanthropy. Their philanthropy has influenced all the arts at WVU. One of the early public efforts was their support of the Pittsburgh Symphony/WVU series. In addition to the concerts, the Canady Pittsburgh Symphony Series at WVU enriched educational opportunities through master classes by Symphony musicians and internships for Arts Administration students. The Canady's' support was also critical in making a reality of the most important 21st century addition to the cultural life of north central West Virginia, the Art Museum of West Virginia University. The Canady Family Education Suite in the Art Museum of WVU gives art students, faculty, and visiting artists/scholars the opportunity to study art from the museum's collection in an intimate and appropriate educational setting. The Canady Chamber Music Series brings world class artistic ensembles to the Canady Creative Arts Center who interact with WVU students, providing experiential learning opportunities for these students that are rarely seen in the state and region. Loulie's commitment to the recently completed All-Steinway Initiative was steadfast and provides WVU students with the best possible educational experience by making sure that they have access to high-quality professional instruments for their performances and rehearsals.

As wonderful as all her support has been, the Valerie Canady Charitable Trust Foundation Scholarships had a special place in Loulie's heart. One of the most prestigious honors given by the college, this program rewards students in the arts who have high academic standing and are bilingual. This program has been in place for over twenty years, supporting hundreds of students. The Canady Scholars, and students that Loulie quietly supported across campus, are living proof of her legacy and belief in the power of arts and culture to unite humanity. Over the years the scholars, who come from all parts of the globe, became an extension of her family. As the matron of this extended family, Loulie was a driving force who improved the cultural life of WVU and expanded the reach of the university internationally. In 2018 Loulie and Bill were honored as WVU's Most Loyal West Virginians and in 2020 the Creative Arts Center was renamed in their honor. Through her actions and words, it is clear Loulie's heart will always remain with West Virginia University.

Loulie was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William, and their daughter, Valerie Canady, who was a victim of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 22, 1988.

A time to visit and celebrate Loulie's life will be held on Monday, April 14th at the  Canady Creative Arts Center, 1436 Evansdale Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506.  The celebration of life will begin with a prelude at 12:45 by Canady Scholar, Alton Wong and will be followed by remarks by Dean Ketih Jackson, President Gordon Gee and others along with select music to honor her legacy.  Following the service, friends, family and students and invited to continue to celebrate her life at a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valerie Canady Charitable Foundation, c/o Suttle & Stalnaker, 453 Suncrest Towne Centre Dr., Suite 201, Morgantown, WV 26505.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.