Nancy K. Bender

Nancy K. Bender, 87, passed away early Sunday morning, December 29th, at the home of her daughter, Carla, in Redwood, where she had been residing following a hospital stay.

She was born February 28, 1937, in Watertown, NY, daughter of Carl and Marion Devereaux Casanova. She graduated from Edwards High School and later from Fredonia College, with a teaching degree in genetics and music appreciation.

She married Roger Bender on June 21,1958 in Edwards, NY. The family resided in Frankfort, NY, in the home that Roger built on the homestead property, and summered for four decades on Number Nine Island, and later in Goose Bay, near Alexandria Bay. Mr. Bender passed away on March 24, 2013.

Nancy was a music teacher for 30 years for the Utica City School District. She loved her job and her students.

She loved music, the St. Lawrence River, was a longstanding member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church, active in the NYS Retired Teachers Organization, the B Sharp Club and volunteered often at the Stanley Theater.

Besides her daughter, Carla, Nancy is survived by her son, Paul, as well as her grandchildren, extended family and her church family.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted by Rev. Karen Brammer, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 10 Higby Road, Utica, on Saturday, January 18th at 2 pm. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church hall.

Memorial donations may be made in Nancy’s name to The Unitarian-Universalist Church, the Frankfort Fire Department or to the Alexandria Bay Rescue Squad, 110 Walton St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

The family would like to thank all of her family and friends who helped her live the best quality life possible, in her own home, for so long, and her caregivers, Natasha and Debra, for all their care.