Veronica Ann Benning

VERONICA ANN BENNING

December 24, 2013

Veronica Ann Benning died on December 24, 2013, in Fort Myers, Fla., her home for the past 20 years. She was born in Clearwater (Fla.) on March 25, 1947, the second child and only daughter of Bernard and Monica Conter Benning. After living in several locations, the family moved to Greenwich (Conn.) where Veronica spent her formative years and graduated from Greenwich Academy.

Following two years at Manhattanville College (Purchase, N.Y.) Veronica transferred to Washington University (St. Louis) where she received a bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Art. She then studied at the Tyler School of Art and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Temple University (Philadelphia) where she was also awarded a graduate teaching assistantship.

Her teaching career continued as an associate professor of painting at the Portland School of Art, now Maine College of Art, and the University of Southern Maine. According to her artist's statement, "Maine's natural beauty became a foundation of learning 'to see' in terms of painting. And the rich history of other artists who also found inspiration there had a profound effect on my work."

After moving to Florida in 1993, Veronica continued to paint - sometimes generating two or three paintings a day, sometimes going back into the work for long periods of time but always beginning anew the movement toward the truth of what she perceived. She had a profound influence on many students, colleagues and patrons and she maintained, until her death, a prolific correspondence with them - always sharing her support, insights and experience.

Veronica was predeceased by her parents and her husbands, William C. Collins and Kenneth Winfield. She is survived by her brothers, Joseph Phillip (Carol) Benning and Gregory Conter Benning of Fort Myers (Fla.); her nieces Melanie and Lauren; and a host of people who admired and loved her.

According to her wishes, Veronica has been laid to rest at the Conter family plot in Magnolia Cemetery in Apalachicola (Fla.). It was in Apalchicola, at the home (formerly the Fry Conter House, now the Apalchicola Museum of Art) of her maternal grandparents, Dr. August and Marie Conter, that Veronica spent many cherished childhood days.

A celebration of Veronica's life and work will take place in Maine later in the spring. Friends may sign the guest book at www.horizonfunerals.com.