Catherine Margaret Bender

Catherine Margaret (Malone) Bender, 95, longtime resident of New City, New York, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 after a long and very fulfilling life. Born on July 12, 1930 in Nyack, New York, Catherine, affectionately known as “Kay” or “Mrs. B” by most, was an adored daughter, sister, wife, mother, cousin, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, coworker and friend to all that she loved so much and to too many to list, both past and present. She touched the lives of everyone around her with her quick wit, brilliant mind, curiosity, and genuine good nature. Kay was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. There were no strangers in Kay’s life, only friends that she had yet to meet. She had a rare gift of building familiarity wherever she found herself, even in unfamiliar landscapes.

Kay's career totaled an extraordinary 50 years with the Clarkstown Central School District Transportation and Peter Brega Inc. companies – if you grew up in Rockland County, it's unlikely that you or a family member never crossed paths. Her time in the New City community had expanded even longer - over 75 years. Everyone knew Kay Bender. A history-buff with a passion for family, reading, travel, random facts, current events, game shows and the QVC channel, she never slowed down. Her family has full comfort in the fact that she lived her life exactly as she wanted and left this world the same exact way. Although Kay was never one to rush life, we would love to think that she was ready to finally be back in the arms of her true love, Hank, who has been waiting patiently for his bride, as he did in 1948, standing at the alter where they began their beautiful journey together with a simple kiss and an “I do.”

Although Catherine is gone physically, she will continue to live on in all of the humorous stories that she’s played character in and within the hearts of everyone who has had the privilege of her connection. Please join us in her Celebration of Life at Michael J Higgins Funeral Home in New City, New York on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Visitation will take place from 2-6pm to honor the amazing life of Catherine Bender.

In lieu of flowers, Kay was an avid contributor to the Wounded Warriors Project and would have asked all donations go to support our USA Veterans.