Nancy Bennett Lind
November 6, 1929 - September 5, 2014
Nancy was born on November 6, 1929 to Eva and Joseph Bennett. The family lived in Piedmont, where Joseph was a talented artist, whose seascapes and early California scenes sparked Nancy's lifelong love of the beach and the natural wonders that surround us in Northern California. After graduating from Oakland High School and studying at the California College of Arts and Crafts, Nancy worked for several years at Pacific Telephone.

In 1958 she married Frank Lind, Jr., who shared her love for the outdoors. They soon moved to Orinda to the home they shared for the next 55 years. After daughters Julie and Diane were born, the family spent many vacations in their camper traveling throughout the western United States and Canada. Nancy also cherished day trips to Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands with her daughters and dear friend, artist Marian "Judy" Jostes.

Nancy maintained cherished friendships throughout her life with her "Friday Go to Lunch Bunch," and many of those friends also joined Nancy in volunteering for the Foothill Branch of Oakland Children's Hospital. That charity work included managing the branch's Bambino Thrift Store, where Nancy could indulge in a little treasure-hunting while simultaneously raising funds for the hospital.

Nancy's lifetime spanned several defining eras, each of which influenced her and contributed to who she was, begining with the Great Depression and World War II, and later the environmental movement. At her core she was a traditionalist, dedicated to family and home, yet she also maintained personal strength and strongly valued our beautiful natural surroundings and giving back to the community.

Nancy Bennett Lind passed away peacefully on September 5, 2014 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Frank Lind, Jr., daughters Julie Smith of El Dorado Hills and Diane Furst of Corte Madera, sons-in-law David Smith and Steven Furst, and grandchildren Alex, Jason and Steven Smith and Alicia and Stephanie Furst. The family would like to give special thanks to Claudia Burns who provided such loving and dedicated care for Nancy over the past two years.

The family will hold a celebration of Nancy's life at the family home at 1 o'clock on September 27. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Nancy's memory to Children's Hospital Branch, 5700 MLK Jr. Way T-2, Oakland, CA, 94609.