Margaret Barbara Bender

Margaret Barbara Wiskochil Bender, 89, formerly of Dallas, Texas and Oakhurst, California and most recently of Leawood, Kansas, died on June 19, 2011, at Saint Joseph Carondelet Hospital of natural causes. Her family will be attending her favorite 4 PM Mass, at St. Thomas More Church, Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday June 25 followed by a celebration of her life at the Robert Kopp residence. A memorial service in California will follow at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Carondelet Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, or the American Stroke Association. Margaret was a loving wife and mother and a devoted friend. Margaret loved nothing more than being surrounded by friends and family. She was full of life and joy and charmed all she met. She attended the University of Texas where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was the first majorette for the Longhorns. Margaret loved to dance and was tap dancing for the Grub Gulch Grannies up until her first stroke at the age of 71. She never forgot a name or a face and made friends everywhere she went. She was a devout Catholic and was active in numerous parish organizations in the many different places she lived. She was famous for sewing Easter outfits, prize winning Halloween costumes, and prom dresses. Margaret never let the most severe setbacks slow her down as demonstrated by her life after her stroke. She just found new ways to enjoy life. She loved dressing up and wearing hats (that rivaled the Windsors!)and jewelry – -even to go to the grocery store! Besides being a sports fanatic, she loved reading the newspaperand all the latest fan magazines She found joy in simple things and loved her boxer dogs, big band music and a glass of red wine.

Margaret was married to William Henry Bender for 62 years until his death in 2005. She and Bill enjoyed the great outdoors hunting and camping, especially the time they were able to spend in Yosemite. In heaven she, once again, is dancing the light fantastic with Bill.

She is survived by her five children: Barbara Kapinus (Bert) of Maryland, Sue Albert (David) of California, Heidi Kopp (Bob) of Kansas, William R. Bender (Sue) of Alabama, and Kevin Bender (Kim) of California. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She has left all who knew her with the knowledge that life is to be enjoyed to the fullest and each day with those you love is a gift.