Nancy Taylor Benson

Nancy Taylor Benson May 12, 1970 - August 13, 2016 Nancy Taylor Benson, 46, of Fairfax, Virginia passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Nancy was a talented freelance artist and a beautiful presence both inside and out. Nancy’s glowing smile radiated love and kindness to her cherished children and family. Nancy was a multi-faceted person of many interests motivated by an insatiable curiosity and a love of learning. She graduated from the Holton-Arms School in 1988 and from Colgate University in 1992 with a degree in Art History. She pursued graduate studies in art at George Mason University with the goal of reaching out to disadvantaged youth, wanting to “help tidy up inner lives so everyone’s outer lives can be clean, sparkly, beautiful and flowy.” In addition to her lifelong artistic practice, and her talented freelance work in art, Nancy was a yoga teacher. As a spiritual seeker and practitioner, Nancy had a keen interest in ancient philosophies and belief systems. Nancy’s philosophy in life was “to live in every moment and just be.” Nancy had a deep affinity and love of nature, and derived much joy in hiking the local woods with her family dogs. Nancy’s sensitivity to others and kindness was always on display in her encouraging presence and ready smile. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved her, and who derived so much joy and delight from her. She is survived by her children, Lucy Benson Clarke, and Thomas Benson Clarke; her mother, Susan Benson; her sister, Tracy Adams Benson and her brother, James William Benson, Jr.; her former husband David Clarke and her best friend, Steve Scholl. Her beloved memory will be cherished by many more. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, August 19 at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax with remarks being given at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Friends of Homeless Animals P.O. Box 415 Aldie, VA 20105 www.foha.org