Susan Stender

Susan Simeon (Bernier) (Lavoie) Stender, 64, of Enfield, wife of Norman J. Stender, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 12, at her home, with her loving family at her bedside.

Born in Presque Isle, Maine, a daughter of the late Victor and Adrienne (Michaud) Bernier, she had been a resident of the Enfield community since 1989 and was a communicant of Holy Family Church of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish. Previously, she had resided in Manchester and East Hartford. Susan had been employed as the Office Manager for the Agawam Dental Associates for the past 19 years. Susan's favorite pastime was being a "grandma." She also had a great affection for pets, especially her dogs, Shay and Tawny. Sue could be found most weekends on the sidelines at her grandkid's games, asking anyone and everyone, "May I pet your dog?"

In addition to Norman, her devoted husband, Sue is survived by her children, Matthew Scott Lavoie and his wife, Christy, and their children Reese Renaye and Carter Matthew of Enfield; and Jennifer Lee Stanizzi and her husband, Brian, and their children, Kaitlyn Paige, Andrew James and Ava Grace of Enfield; her step-children, Norman J. Stender, Jr. and his wife, Evelyn, and their children, Kalina Christine and Isabella Marie of Coventry; Dylan Stender of Rockford, Illinois, and Caitlin Stender and her children, Julian James and Chance Alexander of Poplar Grove, Illinois; her sister, Kathy Emerson of East Hartford; and her brother, Bernard Bernier and his wife, Maxine, of Presque Isle; and several nieces and nephews. Sue was predeceased by her first husband, Richard "Rick" Lavoie in 2006; and by her siblings, Phyllis "Beatrice" Caton, Kenneth and Andrian Bernier.

Susan's family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated on Thursday, June 16, at 10 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield, please meet at Church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery, Enfield, followed by a reception at Matt and Christy's residence.

Susan's family has suggested that expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or to the donor's favorite animal welfare charity.

For online condolences please visit www.leetestevens.com