Jesselyn Benson Zurik

Jesselyn Benson Zurik quietly finished an event-filled life on June 20, 2012. An only child born to Lena Cohen and Herbert Benson on December 26, 1916, Jesselyn married Samuel Zurik, M.D. on September 6, 1938. She is survived by her son, Sam, Jr. and her daughter, Jetty Spector, and their respective spouses, Melanie Mintz Zurik, and Richard Spector, M.D.; her grand children and their spouses, Sam Zurik, III and Jennifer Fontenot, Lee Zurik and Jenny Good, David Spector and Jennipher McPherson, Jason Spector and Stephanie Napper, Matthew Spector and Dr. Michele Cramer Spector, Chaye Spector and Ben Sesar; and her great-grandchildren, Sam IV and Will Zurik, Eleonore and Megan Zurik, Logan, Clay, Adam, Andrew, Hannah and the late Alexander Spector.

Jesselyn received her education at Isidore Newman School and Newcomb College of Tulane University. During the pre-war years, she worked as an illustrator for Katz & Besthoff Drug Company, Adler’s Jewelry Store, and D.H Holmes. During World War II, she supported her husband’s combat naval service by working as a naval draftman for Andrew Higgins of Higgins Industries, noted for developing the now-famous troop landing craft used during the D Day invasion of Normandy.

After the war, she returned to a prolific art career, completing additional years of study at Newcomb, and creating assemblage pieces steeped in architecture and industrial patterns, as well as oil paintings, charcoals, and pen and inks. Her art hangs in 39 permanent public exhibits, 52 private collections throughout the United States, Canada, England , France , Israel , Italy , and Switzerland . Her art was exhibited in 283 juried or invitational shows, 34 one-woman shows, and eight 2 to 4 person shows. She received 21 awards for her exemplary artwork, and her works are documented in 56 art publications and movie/slide documentaries.

Her waning years were made more comfortable by the kind care rendered by Hyacinth Christman and Sharon Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home Chapel, 1600 N. Causeway, Metairie with Cantor Joel Colman officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Private interment, where she will rest with her husband and parents at Metairie Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity.