Obituary of Dorothy Jean Benson

Dorothy Jean Benson (81), passed away on February 10, 2012 with her daughters by her side. She was born on October 21, 1930 in Buffalo, NY and was a longtime resident of Northern Virginia. Dorothy lived a life of sharing and creativity. She used her joyful, creative approach as she worked with girl scouts, foster children and intellectually disabled adults to support the development of skills that helped them to live fulfilled lives. She was also well known as an accomplished fine artist. She was a painter working predominantly in oils on canvas. She studied at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, the Art League School at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, and the Corcoran School of Art in Washington. She received numerous awards and recognition for her work as an artist. She continued to teach children and adults until she recently became ill. Her fellow artists and students will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from an artist as skilled and giving as Dorothy. Dorothy is survived by a sister, Elvira Schultz (Robert). Her siblings Janet Arntz and Kenneth Rigerman predeceased her. She is also survived by two daughters Linda Lachapelle (David) and Amy Davis; and grandchildren Hilary Burns, Adam Davis, and Ian Lachapelle. A Celebration Of Her Life will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 3:30 p.m. at Fair Oaks Church, 4601 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. The service will be followed by a light supper/hors d’oeuvres and dessert while surrounded by memories of Dorothy through a display of her art work. To honor Dorothy’s creative outlook, COLORFUL attire is preferred! Donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to any one of the following organizations. Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts (VECCA): P.O. Box 787 Woodstock, VA 22664 www.vecca.org 540-459-7595 The Art League School: Online donation: https://www.theartleague.org/donations/add Mail: The Art League ATTN: Development Office 105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-1741 The Vienna Arts Society: 115 Pleasant Street, NW Vienna, VA 22180 703-319-3971