Miss Nancy Townsley Simonson

Nancy “Nan” True Townsley Simonson passed away peacefully on October 16th surrounded by her family. She was 94 years old and had lived a long and fulfilling life. Her family is grateful to have shared so many wonderful years with their beautiful and exceptional mother.

Nan was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Mildred True Leap Townsley and Russell Benton Townsley, and was raised, along with her brother Russell Townsley Jr., in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky, where she was a member of the acrobatics team, before moving to Chicago to pursue her interests in art and fashion at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Vogue School of Fashion Art and Design. While in Chicago, she also worked as a personal shopper for Saks Fifth Avenue.

Following her studies, Nan joined Delta Air Lines as a flight attendant. Her knowledge of foreign languages led to her assignment to international flights. While stationed in New Orleans, she met her future husband, Peter “Pete” Simonson. They shared 42 years of marriage until his passing, raising their four children and enjoying an active life together that included tennis, golf, travel, and a wide circle of friends.

Before retiring, Nan freelanced as a portrait artist and worked as a fashion artist for New Orleans department stores, including Godchaux’s, Maison Blanche, and D. H. Holmes.

Nan was a devoted supporter of the arts and gave her time to the New Orleans Opera Guild, the New Orleans Symphony, and the New Orleans Museum of Art, where she became a docent and an NVC Ambassador and an NVC Historian. She also participated in community volunteer programs, including STAIR and Aid for the Elderly, sponsored by Lakeview Presbyterian Church.

A longtime resident of Metairie, Nan enjoyed an active social life and remained involved in New Orleans and Metairie social clubs for many years. Following her husband Pete’s passing, she continued to embrace life through travel, playing bridge, attending book club and other social gatherings, enjoying fine dining with family and friends, and keeping up with the stock market.

Nan had a smile for everyone, but she also had a mind of her own. She was spirited, fun-loving, independent, and always ready to enjoy the company of others. She treasured her many dear friends and felt privileged to have them in her life. Above all, she loved and adored her family and cherished the deep love, mutual respect, and enduring bonds they shared.

She is survived by her four children: Sandra “Duchess” True Simonson Simon and her husband, David Simon; Peter “Pete” Simonson Jr.; Hollis Simonson; and Leslie Simonson Kudner and her husband, Arthur “Art” Kudner.

She also leaves behind her eight grandchildren: Edmond Underwood and his wife, Brittany; Andrew Townsley Underwood and his partner, Brandi Simon; Charlotte Chaze; Kelly True; Peter Chaze; Claire Townsley Chaze; Ariana Kudner; and Arthur “Hank” Kudner; as well as her great-grandson, Auggie Townsley Underwood.

Nan will be remembered for her warmth, independence, zest for life, devotion to the arts, and, most of all, the love she gave her family and friends. Her remarkable life was enriched by the many people she loved and the many who loved her in return. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.