Anna Marie Bender of Red Bank, N.J. passed from this life peacefully surrounded by family on February 26, 2023.
Beginning from her birth in Pennsylvania until her death she nourished family and friends with love, faith, and joy.
Anne attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and was a member of Catholic Daughters. Later in life Anne’s love of music and dancing inspired her to learn to play the organ. In addition to her boundless love and optimism, she leaves us a legacy of her creative talents; quilts to wrap us in her warmth and oil paintings to add beauty to our days.
After raising her 8 children, she returned to work and had a long career as a book keeper for the State of New Jersey. Retirement offered Anne time to pursue new interests. She joined her husband volunteering at Riverview Hospital. Together they enjoyed a bowling team and time with their large extended family.
Anne is predeceased by William J. Bender her loving husband of 61 years, six siblings and a granddaughter. She is survived by her 8 children and their spouses, Bill (Enid), Mary Anne (Hugh), Kathleen, James (Patti), Norman (Patti), Janice (John), Nancy (John) and Lisa (Rick), 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Although our hearts are grieving as we bid farewell to our dear mother, we take comfort knowing she will be greeting in her eternal home by family who preceded her and a chorus of angels. She will surely have her dancing shoes on.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2nd from 4-7pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 3rd at 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 121 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Burial will be private.
