Sandra E. Bender, 86, of Mahaffey passed away on November 10, 2026, at home surrounded by family.
Our beloved mom was born on September 01, 1940 in Cleveland, OH as Sandra E. Zinck. She met and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Bender and together they raised five children and were happily married for 51 years until Bob passed on May 26, 2010.
Together they owned and operated Bender’s Garage which fulfilled a dream they both shared. Sandra ran the office while Bob did the repairs.
Sandy as she was affectionally known to many was never afraid to approach a stranger and create a new friend. Sandy always showed concern for your family, pride in her own and shared many pleasant conversations!
Sandy had long, beautiful red hair with an occasional splash of purple, her favorite color.
Sandy enjoyed racing, either short track watching Bob in his, always purple car or NASCAR collecting everything Jeff Gordon. She even wrote a column for a racing newspaper.
Other interests included Bingo, Casinos, Crazy Eights Card Club, being a member of a softball team and served as President of the former Susquehanna Medical Center. Sandy enjoyed all music, especially heavy metal and even attended two Def Leppard concerts in her 70’s.
Sandy joins many cherished loved ones including, her husband Bob, 2010, sister Karen Mikulik, 2021, Son Robert Bender JR, 1995, first born twin daughter Sandra Faith Shirey, 2021, and her best friend Linda Hurevitch, 2026.
Leaving behind to cherish the memories are daughters, Catherine Elaine (Vin) DiPietro, Lucinda Jane (Charlie Rio) Bender; Son Richard Andrew (Ivan) Bender, Brother-in-law Joe Mikulik and Sister-in-law Jackie Bender; Grandchildren Christopher, Michael and Carolyn DiPietro, retired MSG Nicholas (Stephanie) Barnett, Patricia (Jerry Andrade) Barnett, Scott (Heather) Shirey, Rebecca Shirey, and Brian (April) Shirey, as well as 13 Great-grandchildren ,Very special friends Mike and Cindy Rodgers, John and Lil Koblosky, Leroy and Walt Thomas, Chris and Ruth Brink, and so many more family and friends to mention. Special thank you to her caregivers Megan, Theresa, Kim, Shawna and the entire staff at 365 Hospice.
Friends and Family are invited to the Adamson Funeral Chapel and Crematorium on Saturday November 21, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M, with a Memorial Service starting at 12:00 P.M. with Rev. Joe Weister officiating.
Interment will take place at Glenn Campbell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mahaffey Fire Company, Mahaffey Ambulance or simply plant a tree.
Online condolences may be made at www.adamsonfuneral.com .
