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Yvonne Bender Obituary
Friends are encouraged to attend a cocktail party in celebration of Yvonne's life on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Snapper Inn, 500 Shore Drive, Oakdale, NY
Long-time Bohemia resident, Yvonne Bender, died peacefully on November 9, 2023, with her family by her side. She was 76 years-old.
Yvonne was a strong advocate for compassionate human healthcare. She attended St. Luke's Nursing School in New York City, and began her nursing career at St. Luke's Hospital. Yvonne went on to work at Glen Cove Hospital and Southside Hospital (now South Shore University Hospital). She then became an instructor at BOCES before finding 30 years of joy in school nursing. Yvonne worked with students of all ages; the last 20 years of her career were spent as the nurse at Connetquot High School. She retired in June 2020.
Yvonne met her husband, Paul, while she was at St. Luke's, after he served his country in Vietnam. They connected immediately over many things, including their shared desire to help others, and were married on June 21, 1969. Paul and Yvonne went on to welcome four children and five grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to have benefited from her kind and nurturing soul.
Yvonne encouraged Paul to travel; he was hesitant at first. Their first trip was to London, a city they later frequented many times. They also traveled to numerous European cities; Paris, Barcelona, and Vienna were among their favorites. Anyone who has visited their home has seen the beautiful pictures of the sights they saw and the maps illustrating their journeys together.
Yvonne was predeceased by her mother, Doris Franck, and grandparents, Yvonne and Hector Franck. She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her son, Brian (Carolyn) of South Salem, NY; daughter, Sharon (Brian) Pacocha of Cumberland, RI; daughter, Kathy Rekstis of Bay Village, OH; and son, Kevin (Grace) of Wake Forest, NC; as well as her loving grandchildren, Charlotte Bender, Katie Pacocha, Kelly Rekstis, Walter Rekstis and Juliet Bender.
The family will be holding a private Catholic Mass. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Yvonne's life on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Snapper Inn, 500 Shore Drive, Oakdale, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made in Yvonne's name to The Special Olympics of New York at .
Friends are encouraged to attend a cocktail party in celebration of Yvonne's life on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at The Snapper Inn, 500 Shore Drive, Oakdale, NY
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