Rachel Bender

Rachel was born and raised in Gardner, MA. She grew up with many life-long friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles. After graduating from Middlebury College, she taught upper elementary grades in Seattle, WA; Heidelberg, Germany; Lexington, MA; and Boulder, CO. Teaching in Germany encouraged her interest in travel to visit forty countries and forty-seven states. Music was important and she enjoyed playing several instruments. She also enjoyed singing with many choral groups. After drawing from an early age, she began watercolor painting and took lessons from many local artists. Wintertime saw her skiing or ice skating and summer was swimming or sailing. She is survived by her husband Jim, of fifty-seven years, and sons Phil (Kimie), Clark (Sarah), Bruce (Katherine), and grandsons Josh, Adam, Jay, Charlie, and Leo. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: Colorado Chapter at http://www.alz.org/co/donate.