CINDY LaROCHELLE BENDER

1942 ~ 2019

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Cindy Mae (Schaefer) LaRochelle Bender, loving partner of Ron Bender, announce the peaceful passing of Cindy at the Riverview Care Centre, into the loving arms of her heavenly father and those who have gone on before her, on Wednesday Nov. 27th, 2019, at the age of 77 years, in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Cindy was predeceased by her husband, Guy LaRochelle; her siblings, Marilyn and Richard; her parents, May and John Schaefer and her brothers in-law, Leo, John, Jules, Brian, Gerry, Ron, and sister in-law, Terry. Cindy is survived by her loving partner, Ron Bender and her children, Chérie (Trent) Robbins, Steve (Kim) LaRochelle, Éleese (Rob) Aitken, and Joël (Mel) LaRochelle; her grandchildren, Nat, Ali, Gabe, Abby, Josée, Justene, Angela, Jordan, Trevor, Charlie; her brother, Brian (Mary-Lyn) Schaefer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cindy had interests ranging from curling, gardening, working with Ron at the farm, and enjoying her time at the lake, which was one of her favourite places to be in the summer. Cindy was an avid curler and played with many different people and teams over the years. She could often be heard yelling “sweep” or “hard” at curling events, while she was making one of her fancy shots. Her green thumb was proven with Ron at the farm, when growing her massive garden full of vegetables and flowers. Cindy also always found time to chase after her other passion, which was watching her grandchildren play the sports they loved, and she would frequently travel to different communities to cheer them on. Cindy valued education and a strong work ethic. She taught Drivers Education for years, and when she was not driving with the students in the car, she was driving them in the school bus to different destinations, either on her regular school run or for extra-curricular events. She also coached many of these students, including her own girls to volleyball championships throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, and often drove the bus to get them there. Cindy (Mom) was always active, always engaged, and always involved with the people she loved and could not have done it without the great support of her friends from the communities of Richmound, Hilda and Medicine Hat. The Family would like to thank all of the people who have supported our Mom through the years. Mom was who she was because of the people in these great communities. We would also like to thank Riverview Care Centre for looking after Mom in the last few years. Cindy (Mom) (Mamérè) will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and all who knew her. Mom was our rock in the great times and the tough times. We are all a reflection of her strength, joy and love for life! The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. Private Interment will take place at Ponteix Cemetery, Ponteix, Saskatchewan on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m (11:30 SK time). Memorial flowers may be directed to Cook Southland Funeral Chapel and memorial donations in Cindy’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan or Alzheimers Society of Alberta, 201, 770 – 6 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6.

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455