Mildred "Millie" Bender's Obituary
MILDRED KANG BENDER
March 4, 2015
Our Heavenly Father blessed Mildred Bender with eternal peace on March 4, 2015. Millie passed away at age 97 in Kailua.
Predeceased by husband Melvin, son Richard, and daughter Carol, all of whom she grieved for and missed dearly.
Millie was born in December 1917 on Kauai but grew up in Honolulu. She was one of eleven children. Her older brothers and sister had jobs to help support the family. Millie was the second oldest daughter and at 10 years old was obligated to help her mother look after younger siblings, cook, clean, and do the family's laundry.
It wasn't until Millie was in her 70's that she spoke openly about those hard times. She had inner strength and resiliency that most likely developed during those years.
She and Mel married in 1942 and later that year, purchased a home in Makiki. It was there that their three children were born and raised. Her family fulfilled her life until the kids were grown and out on their own.
Being blessed with good health, Millie and Mel, were able to share mutual interests, hobbies and an active lifestyle for many, many years afterward. She especially loved being able to spend more time with Mel after he retired. She played golf a few days a week, tended to her cherished plants and challenged herself with complicated crochet and knitting projects. Mel and Millie lived in their home for 68 years until Mel passed away in 2010. Soon after that Millie moved into an adult residential care home.
She is survived by daughter Annette (Roger) Hartman; daughter-in-law Brenda Bender; four grandchildren David (Valerie) & Christine Bender, James and Michael (Jennifer) McNiel; four great-grandchildren Alexis, April, Samuel, and Sarah.
Millie is also survived by her youngest brother Henry Lee and predeceased by her other nine siblings. Also mourning Millie's passing are her beloved caregivers at Angel Home for Seniors in Kailua, where she had been living for the past four years.
Millie was a thoughtful, gentle and considerate person. She shared those traits with those around her until the day she died. Her remarkable inner strength allowed her a long life.
The Celebration of Mildred Kang Bender's Life will be on Friday March 27 at 11:00AM in the Trousdale Chapel at Valley of the Temples. Visitation at 10:30 AM. Graveside rites at noon.
The family would be pleased and grateful if guests would join them after services for luncheon in the Trousdale Chapel lanai.
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