BENDER, Ida Viola

The family wish to announce the peaceful passing of Ida Bender at home in Elliot Lake on June 6, 2019 at the age of 91. Pre-deceased by her husband Ralph William Bender in 2011 she is survived by her children Diane Lea of Elliot Lake, Brian of Elliot Lake, Murray (Rudeekarn “Pom” Thaisomboon) of Elliot Lake and Alan (Dianne) of Elliot Lake. Dear grandmother of Lyndon (Sophie), Rebecca, Braeden, Monica (Brad), Becka (Dustin), Preston (Cindy), Shaun (Rosy), Robert, Krysta, Pim (Coulter), Alana (Jeff), Kyle (Ashley), Corey (Marie) and Kaila (Steve). Dear great grandmother of 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grand daughter. She is survived by her siblings Delia Durham of Matheson, Dan (Roselda) Cadeau of Timmins, sister-in-law Marla Bender of Matheson and pre-deceased by many brothers and sisters. Also survived by numerous nephews, nieces as well as great nephews and great nieces. Ida will be sorely missed by “daughter number 2” Vivian Ford (Barry) and by her loving companion Timmy who never left her side. Ida was born and worked in Matheson where she met and married Ralph. Ralph worked in a bush camp and Ida became camp cook even though she didn’t know the first thing about cooking. They eventually settled in Elliot Lake where she flourished and she became chief accountant for Rio Algom. She was co-chairman of the St. Joseph’s General Hospital Board and was instrumental in the expansion of St. Joseph’s General Hospital in the mid 1970’s. The Bender family will receive friends on Thursday June 13, 2019 from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am from Holy Trinity United Church. The Rev. Cory Vermeer-Cuthbert officiating. Inurnment will follow at Woodlands Cemetery in Elliot Lake. Arrangements entrusted to the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel & Cremation Centre (36 Ontario Ave).

The family would like to take this time to thank the St. Joseph’s General Hospital staff on the med-surg floor for their compassion and care shown to Ida. They have reaffirmed what it is to be a true professional and for that the family will be forever grateful. A VERY special thank you to the PSW’s at Huron Lodge- Mom loved each of you and enjoyed your assistance and companionship. Thank you to CCAC and Navi from Bayshore. And thank you also to Dr. DeBortoli for your care over the years and honouring Mom’s last request. Memorial contributions to the St. Joseph’s General Hospital CT scanner fund.