Bente M. Cunliffe

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bente M. Cunliffe of Yardley, PA on November 13, 2025, at the age of 92, after a long, full and adventurous life. Bente left a memorable mark on every life she touched. Her warmth, humor, and boundless zest for life made her unforgettable to all who knew her.
Born in Vejle, Denmark in 1933 to Edith Andersen and August Andersen, she was the oldest of three girls. Her siblings were Britta and Bodil. Bente's early years were shaped by courage and compassion. During the Nazi occupation of Denmark, she went to live with her grandparents, Lene and Johannes Nielsen who owned a hotel and restaurant that quietly became a refuge during the war. Her grandmother, Lene, a member of the Danish resistance movement, was involved in underground activities. Bente witnessed her grandmother sheltering Danish Jews and resistance members - a secret she kept even from her own grandfather and hotel staff. Bente knew about her nation's bravery firsthand. Her Uncle Frode at eighteen years old, took the German flag down and replaced it with the Danish flag at a gas station. He was thrown in jail for that. King Christian X rode his horse daily through Copenhagen wearing the Star of David in solidarity, a courageous stand against the Nazis. Because of the Danish resistance, more than 7,000 Jews were smuggled safely to neutral Sweden involving fishermen who hid them underneath hay or fish on their boats.
Bente demonstrated bravery and intuitive action when she was faced with several fires, the first one as a young girl visiting her friend who lived on a farm. While their parents had gone out to play cards, there was a severe storm and a bolt of lightning struck the barn, which subsequently caught fire. The girls ran into the barn. Terrified, Bente struck the bull with the stick on his back so the cows would follow.
During her adult years, while bringing the children to visit family in Denmark at her parents' Danish Inn, she saved the family from a fire. She was the only one awake after tiring travel, and she heard what sounded like glass breaking in the kitchen. She went downstairs to investigate, suspecting it was an intruder breaking and entering. She took her shoe off and threw it into the kitchen and that's when she saw smoke, it was not an intruder- the kitchen had caught fire! Everyone was quickly wakened and ushered outside to safety. Her children vividly remember being huddled, shivering in the back seat of the car, watching the kitchen burn and yet knowing everyone was safe! Bente had saved everyone from the fire
When the war ended in 1945, twelve-year-old Bente watched German soldiers march out of Denmark. One soldier stumbled and fell. While others jeered, Bente brought him water. When asked why she would help the enemy, she replied simply, "Because he is a human being." That compassion would remain with her throughout her life.
Bente left her beloved Denmark to work as an Au Pair in London, and it was here that she met the love of her life, Wally Cunliffe, in 1955. They were married a year later at Hotel Ringkjøbing in the town of Ringkøbing, Denmark. The wedding lasted 3 days! Together they shared an unquenchable curiosity and love of travel - living in South Africa, Denmark, Puerto Rico, England, and Germany before emigrating the United States in 1969 with their three young children, Ann, Peter, and John.
Bente embraced every new chapter with grace and enthusiasm. She managed a Danish Guesthouse in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while raising her children, competed with the big top hotels in a championship and won awards for her Danish baking.
In Yardley, PA, she later built a successful 48-year career in real estate. She was known for her impeccable style, wonderful cooking, and her gift for making everyone feel at home. She was also an active member of the Martha Washington and Coterie Clubs, where she cultivated many lifelong friendships.
Bente's life was a tapestry of love, resilience, humor, and humanity. She will be profoundly missed by those who loved her most - her children Ann Martin, Peter Cunliffe (wife Carole), and John Cunliffe (wife Fujiko); her cherished grandchildren Marilene, Lydia, and Lucy; and her adored great-grandchildren Kevin, Allen, and Harris. Also her family in Denmark, her sister Bodil, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, November 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home, 17 S. Delaware Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067 (215-493-2228), to share stories and honor the remarkable woman Bente was. A private graveside service will be held for the family at a later date.
Remembrances and condolences may be emailed to annmartinrn@hotmail.com or shared online at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.
Rest in peace, dear Bente. You are now with the Lord and your beloved Wally. Your laughter, kindness, and courage will live on in all of us who had the joy of knowing you.