Patricia S. Bender

Patricia String Bender, "Pat" of Aberdeen, MD, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 25, 2013 at Bel Air Assisted Living surrounded by her family. She was 87. Born and raised in Camp Hill, PA, she was the daughter of the late Noble F. and Blanche K. String. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 62 years, John H. "Jack" Bender, who died in 2007. She is survived by her sons John F. Bender and wife Ruth, of Aberdeen, MD; Thomas A. Bender and wife Joanne, of Yorktown, VA; and James M. Bender and wife Cheryl, of Bel Air, MD. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; a sister Joyce Mehler, brothers James String and wife Peggy, and Floyd String and wife Lois, all of Harrisburg, PA, and many nieces and nephews. As a young wife and mother, Pat was employed as a keypunch operator and secretary at the U.S. Navy depot in Harrisburg, PA. The family moved to Aberdeen in 1952. After her children were in school, she worked as kindergarten teacher at Grove Presbyterian Church and as an elementary school substitute teacher for the Harford County Board of Education. She often carried her kindergarten skills into every family gathering, which always included her trademark peanut butter cake much to the delight of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a long-time active member of Grove Presbyterian Church where she served as an ordained Elder, Deacon, Trustee, usher and Sunday school teacher for many years. She was a Charter Member of the Aberdeen Lioness Lions Club where she served as a Past President and received the Melvin Jones Fellow, which is the highest award for service in Lions International. She was also active for many years with the Aberdeen Golden Age Club. She and her husband enjoyed many retirement years traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, France and the Normandy Beaches, the cross-country Canadian National Railroad, Caribbean cruises and several Lions Club conventions. In her later years she traveled with her sons and families on vacation to the Outer Banks and Rehoboth Beach. Pat always had a positive outlook and zest for life and lived every minute to the fullest, making sure the needs of those she loved and cared for were met first. Her most treasured titles were Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and recently, Great-great Grandma. Visitation will be held at Grove Presbyterian Church, 50 East Bel Air Avenue, Aberdeen, MD 21001 on Thursday August 29th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A memorial service will be held at the same address on Friday August 30th at 11 AM with Pastor Merritt Schatz officiating. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Grove Presbyterian Church. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001