MARYLAND - Mary Elizabeth Bender, 82, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023 at home and is now resting in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.

She was born March 23, 1941 to Arthur and Grace (Barber) Bishop in Gilbertsville.

Mary attended Schenevus Central School where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, James Bender, on August 2, 1958 in Worcester. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Mary was a homemaker and raised four children. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, decorating, sewing, animals and spending time with family and friends.

Mary had a love of horses from a young age which carried over to her daughters, Robin, Tracy and Kelly, and later to her granddaughters and great-granddaughter. She was an active 4-H leader in the Worcester-Schenevus Saddle Tramps, where her girls were members. She devoted many hours nurturing her girls love of horses and showmanship, taking them to many horse shows, trail rides and 4-H events, including horse bowl, county and state fairs.

During his youth, Mary's son David kept her busy with his poultry, heifers, and his latest motorized vehicle.

An avid sports mom and grandmother, she attended many of her children's and grandchildren's soccer, softball and volleyball games, track meets and Scouting events.

Mary was a big supporter of The Fresh Air Fund as a host family, the SPCA and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Her hobbies included yard saleing, antiquing, reading, watching the NY Yankees play and Mark Martin race on Sundays.  Mary loved to entertain and spend time with her grandchildren. "What happens at grandma's stays at grandma's." Always a good sport, she graciously received teasing, silly mockery and friendly bantering from her grandchildren and loved reciprocating. She never missed an opportunity to attend school functions, including concerts, end of school celebrations and grandparent and holiday luncheons. Her door was always open and many friendships were nurtured through her loving and kindhearted nature.

Mary was an active member of Word of Faith Christian Family Center as a Sunday school teacher, volunteering for kitchen duty after fellowship hour and serving others with the Thanksgiving Basket ministry.

Mary is survived by her husband, James; children David (Jackie) Bender, Tracy Bender (Allen Retallick), Kelly (David) Morris; grandchildren Jason Thomas (Val Sheldon), James (Julie) Thomas, Sarah Kelly, Liesha Thomas, Hannah Bender, Jachin (Sarah) Bender, Samuel, Ruth and Zoe Bender, Zachary (Bridget) Bender, Kyle Morris, Tyler (Angela) Morris, Mekenzi (Gabriel) Hanus, Elias Morris; great-grandchildren Alexis, Emily, Nicholas, Elias and Benjamin Thomas, Alyssa Sanderson, Ephraim, Rhema and Kemuel Bender, Jasiah Facey, Prince and Yasmine Martin, Journey Morris, and Jack and Maeve Bender. She is also survived by a special niece and nephew, Sue and Tom Haron, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

The Bender family matriarch was predeceased by her parents, in-laws, Ivan (John) and Alice Bender, sister Doris Travis, brothers Raymond and Donald Bishop, and eldest daughter, Robin Thomas.

Family and friends are invited to her calling hours from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, at Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester.

A memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held Saturday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at Word of Faith Christian Family Center, 6568 State Hwy. 7, Maryland.  Burial will be private at the Schenevus cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820, Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Hwy. 28, Cooperstown NY, 13326 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate

Mary's family has entrusted her care to Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester. Online condolences may be made at www.hellerskinnerfh.com