Eve, a centenarian, was born on February 11, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the proud granddaughter of Italian immigrants, who helped shape so many aspects of her life. Eve never stopped embracing her heritage. As an only child among a large and extended Italian family, she was never short for stories about the many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she adored from her childhood. Eve rarely hesitated to regale friends, family, and even strangers with touching and entertaining tales of such reminiscences.
In 1946, she “stepped out of the box”, marrying Sam, a Southerner from Virginia and veteran of the European Theatre of the Second World War. Sam would add many new dimensions to Eve’s life, including a flair for Southern-style cooking, which she seamlessly incorporated into a culinary repertoire consisting of countless Italian dishes. Together, they raised two children on Staten Island, New York. Following in the footsteps of their daughter, Susanne, Eve and Sam eventually left New York to build a new home for themselves in Houston, Texas. It was here, as residents of the Lone Star State, where they would finally retire to live out their golden years and be closer to their grandchildren.
A child of the Great Depression, who came of age during World War II and the political, economic, and social turmoil surrounding it, Eve was an indelible product of her era. She was a profoundly independent woman, and she wore many hats throughout her 100 years. While her greatest joys in life were her Catholic faith, her family, and her many treasured friendships, she also had an active professional career working in the hospitality, insurance, and shipping industries, and always found time to volunteer at various schools, hospitals, and charities in her spare time. Eve NEVER did anything halfway, and she ALWAYS contributed above and beyond.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Josephine Iulo, her husband, Samuel Ford Bendall, Jr., and her son, John Iulo Bendall. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susanne and Steve Slack, and her grandsons, Austin and David Slack.
The Slacks thank their newest angel for her unconditional love; for always being there when needed; for teaching us that sometimes, whether you want to or not, you need to dig deep; and showing us through her gracious actions that everyone counts, and everyone deserves our kindness and respect.
We would like to thank The Farrington of Tanglewood and Bayou City Hospice for caring for Mom with dedication and love while she took her final journey.
If you would like to remember our Mother and “MeeMa”, please do so with a smile and a prayer, and let her know that you look forward to catching up with her in Heaven. A private service and interment is planned for a later date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0