It’s hard to believe that we have lost our Grandma. Although she had many, many good years, it is still sad to lose her. She was in so many ways the thread that wove through all of our lives, sustained us, and showed us what love and caring were all about. We will miss her, and all the big and small things she did with us and for us, but she is forever in our hearts and memories.

We are thinking of everyone in the family, especially Ruth (mom), Dave, Mary and Karleen, and hope you are all doing okay. She is at peace and love with Grandpa now, after all of you cared for her so well. I think they are both out there somewhere very happy and proud of you all, and all of their loving descendants. We wish we could be there to mourn her, but also to celebrate her life with everyone.

Rob and I have been reminiscing about Grandma. We will never forget the first time we were both together at her house and I introduced her to Rob. Grandma said to him “call me Grandma”, and gave him a big hug. He loved it, and still remembers it fondly. Here are some of those pictures from 1997 and 1999. I’ll try to post others when I can.

Her obituary

Frieda G. Bender nee Rector, 100, former longtime resident of Blue Island, beloved wife of the late Raymond W., whom she married August 23, 1931 in Smithfield, IL. She is the loving mother of Ruth (David) Larson, David (Sandra) and Mary (the late Robert) Cohen, cherished grandmother of 11, devoted great grandmother of 14, proud great great grandmother of 12, dear sister of Karleen Stark and the late Lilabelle Hanify and the late Wilson.

Frieda was a resident of Blue Island from the age of ten until the age of 89. She was a devoted homemaker and mother. Frieda was formerly a very active member of both Grace United Methodist Church and the PTA of Lincoln School.