Nancy C. Benson passed away on August 22, 2011 in Kent WA surrounded by her daughters and her niece. Nancy was born on January 23, 1922 in Oregon City, OR to Jesse and Aimee Cochran. As a child Nancy spent many of her summers on Vashon with her grandparents William and Margaret Spalding of Cedarhurst. Nancy and her cousin, Margaret Rosser forged a lifelong bond during those summers of fishing, berry picking and generally having a good time together. Both Nancy and Margaret raised large families (each had 8 children) and the families visited each other often on Vashon and the Oregon coast.

Nancy married Norman H. Benson on October 1, 1945 upon Norman’s return from the war. They eventually moved to the Oregon coast and operated two Department stores, the first in Newport and the second in Toledo called Benson’s Variety. They operated Benson’s for 20 years and were known for their kindness and generosity in the community.

After retiring Nancy and Norman made their home with several of their children and on two occasions lived on Vashon helping their daughter Rebecca with her young children. Later Nancy started East to West produce bringing fruits and vegetables from Yakima to sell on Vashon. Nancy enjoyed her friends on the Island and became a favorite of so many people.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Norman who died 3 months and 5 days before her. They had celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last October at the Quartermaster Inn. She is survived by her children, Greg, Keith, Jack (Nancy), Paul (Nancy), Brita (Ken) Stern, Laurie Crollard, Rebecca Benson(Tom Wallace), and Stephanie (John) Fiskum. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held on October 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Clearview Foursquare Church 17210 State Rt. 9 SE Snohomish, WA. Everyone is invited.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Vashon Food Bank at P.O. Box 1205, Vashon WA 98070.

Paid obituary.