Catherine C. Bender (defazio)

Catherine (DeFazio) Bender of Lower Makefield. Beloved wife of Richard for 50 years, went to be with her Lord on July 12, 2013, at home surrounded by her loving family after waging a courageous battle with cancer. Catherine is the dedicated and loving mother of Maria Bender, Carolyn (Chuck) Thomas, David Bender, Diane (Christian) Rigby and JoAnn (Joe) Rakowski and Mom Mom to grandchildren Ashley Hart, Caitlyn Rigby, Melissa Bryner, Casey, Leah and Heather Thomas and Joseph and Joshua Rakowski. Devoted daughter of the late Mary (Sorrechilli) and Joseph DeFazio. Catherine is survived by her brothers Joseph and Robert DeFazio, sisters Rosemarie Merwitz, Loretta Warren and Charlotte Van Scaivage and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Because of her selfless and caring nature she was loved by all who knew her. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. No group was ever too large for holiday meals at Mom Mom's house to be celebrated in a warm, gracious and inviting manner.A graduate of Bristol High School, class of 1955 where she was elected most popular. After marriage in 1963, Catherine simultaneously raised five children while attaining her RN in 1973 from Bucks County Community College (4.0 GPA and continuous Dean's List), BSN in 1979 from College of New Jersey (Magna Cum Laude), MA in 1990 from Rider University (with Distinction) and PhD in 2008 from Warren University after retiring from the State of New Jersey, Department of Health & Human Services.Catherine volunteered her time and energy to the American Red Cross and as a bereavement counselor at her parish St. John The Evangelist in Yardley.Friends may call on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 from 9-11 AM at St. John the Evangelist RC Church at Big Oak and Makefield Rd. Burial mass will follow at 11:00AM. Internment will be held at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery at 1;30 PM.Arrangements have been entrusted to the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel(www.hooperfuneralchapel.com) 41 W. Trenton Ave. Morrisville, PA. 19067.In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorials be sent to the Salvation Army.We Love You Catherine.

Calling Hours
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
09:00:00 - 11:00:00
St. John the Evangelist RC Church
Big Oak and Makefield Rd.
Morrisville PA

Funeral Mass
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
11:00:00
St. John the Evangelist RC Church
Big Oak and Makefield Rd.
Morrisville PA

Burial
Washington's Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Rd.
Newtown Pa