Mary Lou Bender

Mary Lou Bender, 84, passed away the morning of August 11, 2015 due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. We praise the palliative care staff at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their care in her final days of a ten year journey of Alzheimer’s.

Mary Lou is survived by son John and three grandchildren Jack, Harry and Willie; son Michael and wife Amy, two grandchildren Hampton and Eva Rose; son David and partner Carol, daughters Hanna and Tessa.

Mary Lou was happiest in her garden surrounded by her favorite hobby of bird watching. She taught her three boys how to take care of themselves, when her husband John Jacob Bender Jr., passed in May of 1973. She was a wonderful conversationalist and loved to meet new people. Mary Lou was a founding member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Raleigh. She sang in the Choir and made many friends over the years. She pushed her sons to finish college while she made her way working until her retirement.

The family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh on Friday, August 14, 2015 from 10:30am-12:00pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at 12:15pm at Raleigh Memorial Park (across the street from funeral home) where Mary Lou will be laid to rest next to her husband “Jack”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Caro¬lina, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Condolences may be sent through: www.mitchellatrmp.com