LORETTA BENDER
Posted: September 6th, 2023
LORETTA BENDER
1947 ~ 2023
Loretta Marguerite Bender, beloved wife of Keith Bender, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at the age of 75 years after a short courageous battle with cancer. She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Tony Bender, Aaron (Jessie) Bender and Melissa Bender; nine grandchildren, Koby, Dante, Kade, Kiana, Brayden, Adara, Darian, Rylan and Olivia Bender; and her sister Lynn Ellis. Loretta was predeceased by her parents James and Melba Podesta; one sister Bonnie Ellis (1979) and one brother Michael Podesta (1989). Loretta was born on November 26, 1947 in Medicine Hat and was raised in Redcliff. She received her education in Redcliff then Medicine Hat; graduating from Medicine Hat High School in 1967. Loretta and Keith married in Redcliff on July 26, 1969. From 1969 to 1980 she held various public and private sector clerical positions during their time spent in Edmonton and Wainwright where her children were born. The family returned to Medicine hat in 1980 where Loretta could spend quality time with family and the communities she left behind. She completed her working career in the office of St. Mary’s School. Loretta enjoyed curling and golfing whenever the opportunity arose. She particularly enjoyed countless games, events, and trips following her children and then grandchildren through baseball, softball, hockey, ringette and school sport activities throughout Canada and the United States. She was an avid curling, hockey, and baseball fan, especially during playoffs. Loretta enjoyed life to the fullest until various ailments affected her ability to participate actively. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Pat Grisonich officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the YouTube (arrow). A private family interment will take place in the Redcliff Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2