Obituary of Mary Bender

BENDER (nee Bolsby), Mary Jean Mary Jean Bender, 83, of Toronto, Ontario. passed away peacefully in the early morning of Saturday, July 5, 2014. MJ Bender, daughter of Harold and Lillian Bolsby, and loving wife of Donald Arthur Bender, is survived by her daughter Sharon Dick (Murray) and son Richard Bender (Deborah). MJ was the proud grandmother of Amanda and Rachel Dick and Zachary and Ella Bender. Predeceased by her brother Ed Bolsby (Pat) and sister Ruth. MJ will be sadly missed by both of her sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. Mary Jean was a graduate of Ryerson Polytechnical Institiute and McMaster University. It was at McMaster where she met her husband to be, Don Bender. Upon graduation our mom and dad moved to Sarnia, Ontario where he worked as a chemist at ESSO. Our mother was a strong believer in the value of education and the arts. She was a supporter of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the ROM. Further, our mom was active in her church and served as President of the University Women's Club in Sarnia. After our father passed away at age 48 from bowel cancer, our mother dedicated her life to the challenging task of raising her two young children. We were not easy, but mom did not complain. Our mother was the glue that held our family together. She led a meaningful life and she will be greatly missed. A service and reception will be held on Friday, July 11 commencing at 11:00 a.m. in EGLINTON ST. GEORGE'S UNITED CHURCH, 35 Lytton Boulevard, Toronto (M4R 1L2). Interment at Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations to Eglinton St. George's United Church would be gratefully appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.