Rebecca Ellen Binder

Rebecca was smart, passionate, giving, and feisty (when it counted). Her smile was big, beautiful, and contagious. She loved our family, international travel, sailing, skiing, shopping, the beach, and making a difference in the lives of others.

She graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Colby College (BA), and Columbia University’s Teachers College (MA).

As Executive Director of the Benco Family Foundation, Rebecca spearheaded projects that improved access to dental care around the world (Global Smiles Foundation), educated children in poor communities on dental health (Lessons in a Lunchbox), and provided tuition for dental students of color (the Robert Tanner Freeman Scholarship).

As a long-time member of the Swain School Board of Trustees, she co-chaired the most recent capital campaign, helped hire several school leaders, and championed Swain's merger with Moravian Academy. She was also a past board member of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, Maternal and Family Health Services, and Keneseth Israel (Allentown).

As a friend, Rebecca was tireless, honest, and loyal. She knew where to find the most reliable contractor, the right sweater, and the perfect tile for your bathroom. She was a walking guide to Broadway shows and Manhattan restaurants. She wasn't afraid to tell you what did and didn't look good on you. And she listened until it hurt.

As a wife, mother, and daughter, she was indefatigable, fun, and a true woman of valor. She inspired our children, Benjamin and Leah, to grow and learn, try and fail, and then try again until they succeeded. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her, and loved her completely for more than three decades...I wouldn't be me without marrying her. We will miss her fearless laugh, her legendary brownies, and her warm hugs…desperately.

If you’re inspired to make a donation in Rebecca’s memory, we have established the Rebecca Binder Memorial Scholarship Fund at Moravian Academy (7 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018) to provide scholarships for disadvantaged children in the Lehigh Valley...and a fund-raiser at Memorial Sloan Kettering to fight rare forms of breast cancer at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/RebeccaBinder

We will celebrate Rebecca's life with a Memorial Service on Monday, July 31st at 11am at Temple Keneseth Israel, 2227 Chew Street, Allentown PA. We will receive visitors at our home on Monday, July 31st from 6-9P, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2-4P and 6-9P.

Thank you to the team at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which provided Rebecca with world-class medical treatment...and gave us 14 great months to enjoy life together. And thank you to all of our friends and family who supported us over the past three years...it's meant more than you could ever know.

May Rebecca's memory be for a blessing.