The unexpected death of Louisa McCune, a widely respected figure in Oklahoma City, has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her and the numerous communities she served. As the Executive Director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, McCune played a pivotal role in championing causes related to the arts, education, animal welfare, and environmental preservation. Her sudden passing on August 11, 2024, has left many in disbelief and mourning. While the specific cause of her death has not been made public, the loss of such a significant and influential figure has deeply impacted the cultural, philanthropic, and social landscape of Oklahoma City and beyond.
Born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma, Louisa McCune was a product of her community’s values and a reflection of its best attributes. Her early life in Enid laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. In 1988, she graduated from Enid High School, an institution where she first began to develop her passion for learning, leadership, and service. From a young age, McCune exhibited an inquisitive mind and a deep love for the written word, both of which would guide her professional journey.
McCune’s pursuit of higher education took her beyond the borders of her hometown, beginning with her studies at Colorado Mountain College. She later transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she continued to hone her academic skills and broaden her intellectual horizons. In 1992, she earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University, a testament to her determination and drive to succeed. Her education not only provided her with the knowledge and skills she would need in her future endeavors but also exposed her to diverse perspectives that would shape her worldview.
Her professional career began in the realm of journalism, a field that perfectly aligned with her love for storytelling and her desire to engage with the world around her. Between 1994 and 1995, McCune worked as a general assignment reporter for the Enid News & Eagle, covering a wide range of topics and gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced world of news reporting. This early role marked the beginning of her deep connection to the written word, which would remain a constant throughout her life.
McCune’s journalistic talents soon took her beyond Enid, as she embarked on an internship at the prestigious Harper’s Magazine. This experience opened doors to freelance work with a variety of notable publications, including The American Benefactor, Worth, George, Mirabella, New York, Green, and the Franklin Square Press of Harper’s Magazine. Through these outlets, McCune’s writing reached a broad audience, and her reputation as a thoughtful and skilled writer began to grow. Her ability to capture the essence of a story and convey it with clarity and compassion made her a sought-after contributor to these respected publications.
In 1997, McCune took on the role of editor-in-chief at Oklahoma Today, the state’s premier magazine dedicated to exploring and celebrating the unique culture, history, and people of Oklahoma. Over the next thirteen years, she would leave an indelible mark on the publication and, by extension, the state itself. Under her leadership, Oklahoma Today flourished, becoming a trusted source of information and inspiration for Oklahomans and those interested in the state’s rich heritage. McCune’s editorial vision helped shape the magazine into a vital cultural institution, and her work earned her widespread acclaim.
Her tenure at Oklahoma Today was a significant chapter in her career, one that allowed her to influence the narrative of Oklahoma’s cultural landscape in profound ways. She used the platform to highlight the state’s artistic achievements, historical milestones, and the stories of everyday Oklahomans who were making a difference in their communities. McCune’s passion for the arts, education, and social issues was evident in every issue of the magazine, and her commitment to excellence set a high standard for all who worked with her.
In addition to her work at Oklahoma Today, McCune co-founded and served as the editor-in-chief of ArtDesk, a contemporary arts journal published quarterly by the Kirkpatrick Foundation. ArtDesk quickly gained a reputation for its insightful coverage of the contemporary arts scene, both within Oklahoma and beyond. The magazine served as a platform for exploring and showcasing the vibrancy of contemporary art, and McCune’s editorial direction ensured that it remained at the forefront of cultural conversations. Through ArtDesk, she continued to advocate for the arts, providing a space for artists, writers, and thinkers to engage with important issues and share their work with a broader audience.
In 2011, McCune took on a new challenge when she was appointed Executive Director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, one of Oklahoma’s most prominent philanthropic organizations. The foundation, established in 1955 by John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick, has long been dedicated to supporting initiatives that enrich the cultural, educational, and environmental fabric of the state. As Executive Director, McCune expanded the foundation’s influence into a variety of fields, including the arts and culture, education, animal welfare, historic preservation, and environmental protection. Under her leadership, the Kirkpatrick Foundation became a driving force behind numerous projects that have had a lasting impact on the community.
McCune’s work with the Kirkpatrick Foundation was not just a job; it was a calling. She approached her role with the same passion and dedication that had defined her career from the beginning. Whether she was advocating for animal welfare, supporting educational initiatives, or championing environmental causes, McCune was deeply committed to making a difference. Her leadership style was characterized by a collaborative approach, as she believed in the power of working together to achieve common goals. She built strong relationships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders, all of whom respected and admired her for her integrity, vision, and tireless work ethic.
One of McCune’s most significant contributions to the Kirkpatrick Foundation was her role in the publication of “Love Can Be: A Literary Collection About Our Animals,” a project that showcased her editorial expertise and her deep commitment to the welfare of animals. The collection, co-edited with Teresa Miller and published by the University of Oklahoma Press in 2018, explores the profound connection between humans and animals. It features a wide range of voices, including those of writers, poets, and thinkers, all of whom share a deep appreciation for the role that animals play in our lives. The book received widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking content and its beautiful presentation, and it stands as a testament to McCune’s ability to bring important issues to the forefront of public consciousness.
Throughout her career, McCune was recognized for her many contributions to journalism, philanthropy, and the community. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Society of Professional Journalists’ First Amendment Award and the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s Community Service Award. Her work was frequently cited as an example of excellence in her field, and she was often sought after as a speaker and panelist at conferences and events. Despite her many accolades, McCune remained humble and focused on the work at hand, always striving to do more for the causes she cared about.
McCune’s sudden passing has left a profound void in the community. Those who knew her personally speak of her as a kind, generous, and compassionate individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her friends and colleagues remember her as a person of great integrity, someone who was deeply committed to her work and to the people around her. Her loss is felt not only by her family and close friends but also by the countless individuals and organizations who benefited from her leadership and support.
As news of her passing spread, tributes began to pour in from across the state and beyond. Colleagues, friends, and admirers took to social media to express their shock and sadness at her untimely death. Many shared stories of the impact that McCune had on their lives, both personally and professionally. These tributes paint a picture of a woman who was not only a leader in her field but also a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many.
In the days following her death, the Kirkpatrick Foundation issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow at the loss of their beloved Executive Director. The statement highlighted McCune’s many achievements and her lasting legacy, noting that her contributions to the foundation and the community would not be forgotten. The foundation also announced that they would be establishing a memorial fund in her honor, with proceeds going to support the causes that McCune was most passionate about.
In the wake of McCune’s passing, the community has come together to honor her memory and to celebrate her life. A memorial service is being planned, and it is expected to draw a large crowd of mourners, all of whom were touched by McCune’s kindness, generosity, and commitment to making the world a better place. The service will be an opportunity for friends, family, and colleagues to come together, share their memories, and pay their respects to a woman who made such a significant impact on so many lives.
Louisa McCune’s death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with the people we love. While her passing is a great loss, her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched, the projects she championed, and the causes she supported. She leaves behind a rich legacy of service, leadership, and compassion, and her memory will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
The family of Louisa McCune has announced that an obituary and details of the funeral arrangements will be released at a later date. In the meantime, those who wish to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Kirkpatrick Foundation’s memorial fund or to one of the many organizations that she supported during her lifetime. As the community mourns her loss, they also celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the enduring impact she made on the world around her.
