Obituary of Anne R. Bender

Bender, Anne R. (nee DeGeorge), age 91, of Woodland Park, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Devoted wife of 63 years to the late Harold Bender (2014). Cherished mother of Michele Arnone, Bruce Bender and his wife Elsa, Dawn Ottino and her late husband Anthony, Brian Bender, Cheryl Tobin and her husband Mike, Robyn Bartscherer and her husband Eric, and Craig Bender and his wife Patty Ann. Adoring Nana to Gregory Arnone, Ashley VanValkenburgh and her husband Jeff, Samantha Bender, Zachary Bender, Faith Ottino, Brad Ottino, Justin Ottino and his wife Brianna, Chad Tobin, Jennifer Tobin, Ryan Bartscherer and his wife Ashley, Renee Pernick and her husband Jake, and great grandmother to five. Beloved aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Treasured friend.

Loving daughter of the late James and Jennie (Lupo) DeGeorge, Angelina Rose (Anne) was born in Jersey City where she excelled at Holy Rosary School and Ferris High School. She completed comptometer school and worked until her first child was born. After becoming a full-time mother to seven children, she moved to Woodland Park, where she lived for 60 years.

Anne was a fan of Frank Sinatra, movies, dancing, Chinese food, the Rockettes and vacations in Wildwood Crest. Anne's greatest passions were her husband and children, to whom she devoted her life. She was a loving, generous person and a wonderful cook. Anne was a shining light in all our lives and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation, which will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa. All are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 8 at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of the Holy Angels R.C. Church, 473 Main St., Little Falls at 9:30 AM. Entombment to follow at the Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Rd., Township of Washington. Donations in Anne's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.