Mary Jane Bender
Mary Jane Bender Obituary
Bender, Mary Jane
Howell, Michigan
Her Legacy… Mary Jane Bender, 80, passed away June 11, 2025. She was born on April 18, 1945, in North Plainfield, New Jersey to William Chapman Kinney and Gertrude (Van Winkle) Kinney. Mary Jane married the love of her life, Richard Bender, 57 years ago on June 15, 1968, in North Plainfield, New Jersey. She will be remembered for her strong faith in God and her love for children, devoting 40 years to teaching preschool and lower elementary. Mary Jane was a faithful member of Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church for 17 years. In her spare time, Mary Jane enjoyed crafting, sewing and doing volunteer work. She found her solitude in the garden and walking her dog in various local parks.
Her Family… Mary Jane will be greatly missed by her husband, Richard Bender; her children, Daniel (Lisa) Bender, Susan (Nick) Bernardi, Scott (Shareen) Bender, Debra (Jon) Baker; grandchildren, Olivia, Joshua, Jacob, Annabelle, Michael, Sierra, Sydney, Scarlett, Sophia, Shaylin, Julia, Benjamin, Madelynn; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Gertrude Kinney; brother, William C. Kinney II.
Her Farewell… Mary Jane’s family and friends will gather at 10:00 AM until the time of her Community Farewell Service (11:00 AM), on Thursday, June 19 , 2025 at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton, Michigan. Dr. Arthur Hunt will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association. Please leave a message of comfort for Mary Jane’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
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