Barbara Bender's Obituary
Barbara Bender, 79, of Huntersville, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, following a long illness. She was born April 2, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio.
Barb will always be remembered for her quick wit, her individual style, and her delicious bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers – always a hit at any get together. Barb’s vivacious love of life was never more on display than when she would cruise around town with the top down in her white VW beetle convertible, known as “BTLJu1ce”. Until recently, she completed the daily Wall Street Journal Crossword Puzzle with such dexterity that she amazed her friends with her mastery of words.
Barb had a deep loyalty and love of her husband, friends and country, which she shared openly and willingly, never shying away from letting you know how much she cared for you. Her many friends were so important to her, and she always made the effort to stay in touch. When she could no longer travel about town, her friends would stop by to chat, watch HGTV and joke around – she had an infectious laugh and a wicked sense of humor. Barb enjoyed a spirited conversation and would engage with anyone on any topic, especially politics. Whether you knew Barb for two or thirty years, we all enjoyed her sassy no-nonsense demeanor. Before her illness, Barb was an avid Pilates practitioner, going to class as often as she could. She made several friends from those classes who would visit regularly and brought her great comfort during her confinement.
Barb enjoyed a successful career with North American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines retiring in 2015. For 25 years, she and John owned a home in Hilton Head where they had wonderful ‘get aways’ and time with each other. It was truly Barb’s happy place. Barb’s talent for interior design was always on display as their house was usually in the midst of one project or another. Fortunately for Barb, John’s background in construction came in handy and between Barb’s ideas, and John’s brain, their house was a beautiful reflection of their tastes and interests.
In addition to her parents, Barb is preceded in death by her daughter, Chris Farina from Columbus, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Bender and their son Tim Bender of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Dan Bender and Beth Bender; four great grandchildren; and her brothers, Jimmy and Tink Gorsiline from Columbus, Ohio.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Per Barb’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Levine Cancer Center.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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