Susan Adele Simmons Benton

Susan Adele Simmons Benton died on July 12, 2022. She was the loving and beloved wife of George Lea Benton of River Ridge. Born March 25,1945 in Shreveport, LA, she was the daughter of Clara Sylvia Smith of Rockport, TX and Arthur Barlow Simmons of Baton Rouge, LA, both deceased. She was also pre-deceased by her brother Patrick Murray Simmons and two dear friends, Joanne Glas Redmann and Nancy Hightower Pomiechowksi. She is survived by beloved brothers, Arthur Barlow Simmons III (Lucy), Jr. and Timothy Smith Simmons (Karen). She was the lucky mother of Brian Glenny Benton (Shannon Kay Irish), Kristin Katherine Benton (Gerard Joseph Haddican II), and Bradley Stephen Benton (Lauren Paige Gier). Her children’s spouses were also very dear to her, aside from the wonderful grandchildren they gave her and George: Megan Elizabeth Benton, Lauren Michaela Benton, and Preston Michael Benton; Henry Gerard Haddican and Camille Grace Haddican; and Remington Hayes Benton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, ten on the Benton side and five on the Simmons side.

Susan spent most of her childhood in Houston, TX and moved to New Orleans with her family at the age of sixteen. She graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican High School and enrolled in LSUNO. She obtained her B.A from the College of Liberal Arts in English in 1966 with a strong concentration in French literature. In preparation for the construction of a new family home, she also later received a degree in Interior Design from Delgado Community College in 1989, where she was awarded the certificate for best third-year student.

Never bored, she was a longtime afficionado of duplicate bridge, gardening, French and Mexican cuisine, and piano. She loved her weekly French class, French chat group, and movie group. She could sew like a pro, producing everything from jeans to window shades to wedding gowns.

She was a member of the Steering Committee of the New Orleans Museum of Art Volunteers for 25 years, where she served as Recording Secretary, Vice-Chair of Activities and Comptroller of Membership. A member of an original Flower Fund team at NOMA, she was active until her death.

Her most fulfilling outside interest was with the French organization Les Causeries du Lundi, where she was known as “the lynchpin” and “our institutional memory”. She cherished the friends she made in an historic organization dedicated to the promotion of French language and culture.

During both work and retirement years, Susan and George were avid travelers. They were known for planning individual travel for many trips to England, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Their favorite activity was to introduce dear friends and family to the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of France. George and two brothers even skippered a barge on the canals of Burgundy in 2000.

A private visitation and interment will be held for family. There will be a celebration of Susan’s life at a later date to be announced to which friends and family are invited. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to your charity of choice is appreciated.