Karen Lois Bender

Born: May 22nd, 1947

Passed: June 20th, 2024

Memorial from Funeral

Karen Lois Bender, born on May 22, 1947, in Trenton, Michigan, passed away on June 20, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan. She was a beloved Social Worker for the State of Michigan and a passionate Master Gardener.

Karen lived a life filled with compassion and dedication to helping others through her work as a social worker. Her green thumb brought beauty and joy to those around her, reflecting her nurturing spirit and love for nature.

At the age of 77, Karen leaves behind a legacy of kindness and perseverance that will be remembered by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Louise Otter.

Karen is survived by her loving children, Michelle, Michael, and Douglas Bender, and her cherished grandsons Derek, Levi, and Isaac Bender. She is also survived by her siblings Alan, Brian, Joan, and Kevin Otter.

Karen's memory will continue to inspire us to lead lives of compassion and generosity. May she rest in peace knowing that her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Memorial from Mike Bender

My mother, Karen Bender was one of the most kind, caring, generous, giving and patient people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even all of those nice descriptive words still don’t truly describe what a blessing she was to have in my life and everyone else that she came in contact with.

My mother raised all of us kids, Michelle, my self (Michael) and Douglas as a single parent. She made time to help us all with our homework, spoil us with toys and other items, take us on vacations and basically provide for us everything that we needed. Mom also was able to play on a baseball team (which she loved), graduate Wayne State with a Masters degree and become a Master Gardener.

She has always been there in my time of need. Whether it was advise, guidance, financial assistance or just to sit and talk with me when I needed to vent. My mom has always been by my side through my leukemia treatments and other health issues, to my struggles in school and then offering support when I had a family. There is no one in this world who I trusted, relied on and respected more that her. I can honestly say with conviction that I was truly blessed to have her in my life. She will hold a special place in my heart and I will miss her dearly.

Love, her son,
Michael Bender

For more about Michael and Family History, check out Bender Ancestry Website.

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