Frances Benson Pearce

Frances Sidwell Benson was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 16, 1931 to James and Frances (Sidwell) Benson. Her father was an accountant/attorney, and her mother was a Latin teacher. She was a loving and caring older sister to James (Jay) Benson. The family of four lived close to extended family, who resided with them at times. Fran had warm childhood memories of playing with her brother and neighborhood friends.

Fran attended Baltimore Friends High School where she was on the bowling team and the badminton team. A language major at Swarthmore College, she studied Russian, German, Spanish and French, and was active in the Russian Club. She played on the lacrosse and badminton teams and was circulation manager of the college newspaper. Known for her wisdom and life-long learning, she credited Swarthmore with helping her to develop this framework.

Following college, Fran worked at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for seven years but “couldn't possibly tell you what I did there” as she would say with a wink. She met husband James (Jim) Pearce through a friend and they married in 1959, settling in McLean prior to the births of daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. Fran was a stay-at-home mom who provided her children with guidance and structure, and also very active in local education matters and politics. She was active in the Fairfax County PTA and was the Education Director for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) McLean Branch for 15 years. Fran was a member of the AAUW McLean Branch for 55 years, and a longtime member of their Independent Investment Group and Literature Group. In 1983, she earned the McLean Community Service Award.

Jim and Fran enjoyed listening to jazz and swing music, visiting art museums together, and being members of the Universalist National Memorial Church in Washington, D.C. Fran was an avid sports fan and spent summer nights watching her beloved Baltimore Orioles on television, as well as following tennis, football, and other team sports.

Fran’s face would light up when she spoke of her daughters and granddaughters. Margaret lives nearby and became an indispensable support and companion of Fran as she aged. Elizabeth lives in Oregon, and was a frequent visitor in recent years. At The Jefferson, where she lived the last 14 years of her life, Fran was known for her participation in SportsTalk, the Theater Club, Politics and Issues, Team Trivia, and making valuable contributions to the food and activities programs. Fran continually established new friendships and maintained longstanding ones at The Jefferson, and was remembered as a fascinating conversationalist and a welcoming resource for new residents.

Fran was predeceased by her parents, husband, and younger brother Jay. She is survived by her children: Margaret Pearce, Elizabeth Pearce (Liz Baker) and her grandchildren: Rachel Frances and Sarabeth Tucker Pearce-Smith. Donations in Fran’s honor can be made to the AAUW McLean Branch (McLean Area Branch AAUW P.O. Box 1002, McLean, VA 22101) or to the Pearce Family Art Fund, http://bit.ly/4aArIxL, note that your donation is in honor of Frances Pearce: at Linn-Benton Community College.

A memorial service will be held in April at The Jefferson.