Darcy Lee Behan

Darcy Lee (Whitson) Behan, age 70, of Easton, MD, died at home surrounded by close family on October 19, 2022, after a two-year battle with cancer. A gifted early-childhood educator, Darcy taught pre-school classes for 20 years at St. James School in Leesburg, VA. She also worked for several years as a staff assistant at the American Petroleum Institute in Washington, D.C., and was an accountant at Control Video Corporation in Vienna, VA, where she worked for future AOL Founder Steve Case. Darcy began her eclectic career working in a deli, but her most important work was her role as a mom; she took great pride in her children’s achievements—Alexis’s entrepreneurship and leadership in retail and Patrick’s as head boy’s basketball coach at St. John’s College High School. Born March 9, 1952, in Kendallville, IN, Darcy and her family resided in a range of U.S. communities where her father, a career FBI agent, was stationed, including Monterey, CA; the Rio Grande Valley of TX; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Darcy attended high school in New City, NY, and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and English from George Mason University, when her family lived outside Washington, DC, in suburban Virginia. Darcy met her husband and soulmate of over 45 years, Jeremiah Behan, at a dog-obedience class at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. A dog-lover and active supporter of animal-rescue programs, Darcy especially cherished taking long walks with Jeremiah and their dogs. She also was an avid gardener who loved all flowers and birds and took great interest and pleasure in home decorating and cooking. Beginning their life together, Darcy and Jeremiah lived in the Washington, DC, area and for nearly two years in Tucson, AZ. They lived and raised their children in Arlington, VA, and Leesburg, VA, before retiring to Easton. Darcy was predeceased by her husband; by her parents, Patricia and Clyde Whitson; and by her brother, Clyde Whitson, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Alexis Behan, of Los Angeles, CA; by her son, Patrick Behan of Alexandria, VA; and by her sisters, Diana Laguna (Ramon) of Orlando, FL, and Dawn Whitson of Ocean Pines, MD. Darcy also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Sarah Costello, of Phoenix, AZ, and brother-in-law Patrick Behan of Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Darcy’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A celebration of Darcy’s life will be held at a later time.

Darcy Lee Behan

March 9, 1952 - October 19, 2022