Mary Lee Bentley

MARY LEE BENTLEY, 85, died suddenly on Friday, February 10, 2006, at Hermann Memorial City Hospital, Houston. Born on August 24, 1920, in Lancaster, Ohio, she was the daughter of Leo M. and Mary Alice (Bain) Bininger. Her beloved husband, C. Richard Bentley, died in 1988. She was also predeceased by her brother Leo ("Bud") of Lancaster. She will be deeply missed by her sister Rosanna Bennett of Weston, MA, her niece Mary Lee Noonan and her husband John of Berkeley, California, a grand-nephew John Noonan and his wife Dixie of San Francisco, and two grand-nieces, Rebecca Murray and her husband Stuart of New York City and Susanna Noonan of Santa Monica. A graduate of Seton Hill College and the Radcliffe Management Training Program, Mary Lee enjoyed a career in retailing in Boston and New York. In Houston, she polished her skills as a competitive bridge player, attaining the rank of Life Master. For over sixteen years, she was a much loved bridge teacher. Always active within the community, she served as president of the Memorial Women's Club and for many years as the only woman usher at St. John Vianney Church. Her buoyant energy, quick wit and warm, generous spirit were treasured by a wide circle of friends and students. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, in the ARS Chapel at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, with Rev. John N. Morfin, Celebrant.