Nancy Jean Bender

Nancy Jean Bender, (89), passed away at Moravian Manor on January 4, 2026. Born October 22, 1936, in Greenville PA, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth L. Mowry and Dorothy Mae (Paxton) Mowry. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, retired Navy Captain Thomas J. Bender, both residents of Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA.

Nancy attended Greenville High School and graduated from Thiel College with an administrative assistant degree in 1956. After marrying Thomas in 1960, they moved to California where Thomas embarked on his distinguished naval career. Over the next 25 years, they resided in Rhode Island, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia before moving to Pennsylvania. In addition to raising two daughters, Nancy was a committed and compassionate teacher's aide for many years in the Fairfax County school system in Virginia and the Warwick school district in Lititz.

Both she and her husband were long-time active members of Highland Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon and then chair of the board of deacons, and as part of the Highlanders fellowship group. A talented and creative seamstress and quilter, Nancy joined the Red Rose Quilters Guild and later engaged in quilting and sewing projects at the Moravian Manor. Along with her husband, Nancy served as a member of the Lititz Lions Club and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Nancy was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing with her husband.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two daughters: Linda (Patrick) McDonie; and Judith (Matthew) Curry; and four grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Dora Mae (Dave) Brown.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Moravian Manor, Lititz, PA on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11am. Visitation with the family will precede the service, starting at 10 am. A luncheon in the Moravian Manor Seasons Dining Room will follow the service. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nancy's memory may be sent to the Benevolent Fund of Moravian Manor, 300 West Lemon St, Lititz, PA 17543 or Highland Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.