Obituaries

Wendy L. Bender, 53

November 13, 1967 - July 10, 2021

Wendy L. Bender, 53, of Manheim, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of Edward Hahn, Jr. and Vicki (Krause) Coleman. Wendy was the beloved wife of Robert W. Bender, and they would have celebrated 33 years of marriage this coming November. She was a loving mother to their daughter, Phoebe Plaisted, wife of Derek Plaisted.

Wendy loved spending time at the beach, but her soul was intertwined with the forests and mountains. Hiking, foraging or quietly contemplating the wonders of nature, she absorbed the spirit of the woodlands. Wendy’s expansive library was filled with naturalistic books, and she loved to share her knowledge with others. Her faith in God was interlaced with the spirit of Mother Nature.

Her greatest love was for her husband and daughter. Spending time with them camping, hiking and traveling were among her greatest pleasures. She fought her battle with cancer with a warrior-like attitude. Her favorite place was a grove of pine trees carpeted with Lady Slippers in Juniata County – this will be her final resting place.

For over 30 years, Wendy worked as a salesperson at Hillyard-Mid Atlantic in Lancaster, where her co-workers and customers were like a second family to her. Also surviving, along with her parents, husband and daughter, is her brother, Edward Hahn, III, and sisters, Gretchen Brobst and Bonnie Gross.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service which will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at LCBC Church – Manheim, 2392 Mount Joy Road, Manheim, PA 17545, where a visitation will begin at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wendy’s memory may be offered to Hospice & Community Care, P O Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

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Condolences to the Family

July 25, 2021

Vicki, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.   Wendy’s kindness and beautiful smile was infectious to all around her.  So sorry for your loss.
Anita Liepa Mattern

July 16, 2021

I am so so sorry for your loss.  Wendy was such a awesome woman, she worked so hard and knew her job well as an employee of LS she was always there to help us, she worked right beside us, she taught me so much. She will be greatly missed.   Thank You Wendy R.I.P. 
Linda Long

July 14, 2021

I can honestly say I’m better from knowing this remarkable woman…Thank you dear friend for sharing your light.  I will cherish your memory.  Our only happiness is knowing that she has seen the face of God, well done my friend well done.
Heather

July 14, 2021

Bob, Phoebe, Ed Hahn Jr., Ed Hahn III & family, Gretchen Brobst and Bonnie Gross we are so very sorry for your loss.  You have our deepest condolence, prayers and wishes during this time. 
Lawrence & Delores Widders 

July 13, 2021

Vicki: I didnt know all the years my husband and I knew Wendy through Hillyard that she was your daughter. My sister and I worked with you at Erb’s Bakery. I do remember her when she was young. All those curls. We all send our love. Beth Gibson Stauffer, Henry Stauffer and Brenda Gibson
Bonnie: Your in my heart and thoughts. My love and prayers to you and Gary.
Love
Beth Gibson Stauffer

July 12, 2021

Bob and phoebe,
sending love and prayers to both of you!
I can’t imagine what you are going through.
wendy was a beautiful person on the inside and out and you can rest asurw she will be an angel looking down on both of you!❤️🙏🏻
Heidi Hollinger burton

July 12, 2021

I remember well when Wendy arrived at Rohrestown Elementary.  Bobby and Wendy immediatly became an item.  And over time, their love only grew.  I cant remember recalling Bobby or Wendy without thinking of the other.  My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family.  
Michelle McDivitt-Stripe

July 12, 2021

Thoughts and prayers for the families. May your memories bring you comfort. Mike & Jo Ann Breneman 

July 12, 2021

Our sincere condolences to the family. Our hearts are broken for you. Keeping you in our prayers.
Steve & Brenda Zeamer

July 12, 2021

Keeping  you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Karr

July 12, 2021

Wendy, it had been along time since we chatted. I often thought about you and how you were doing. I was glad we got to reconnect during the time we worked at W2W and we could talk about nature, healing and how we had fun as teenagers. To Bob and family, I am so sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing.. she was a warrior and a gentle soul all at the same time. I hope that you find peace in remembering her smile and her love for her family. 
Jody White (Jody Kissinger)

July 12, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear this!  I worked with Wendy back when it was Firestone Paper & Supply.  She was just the sweetest person.  She was so wonderful to be around.  Condolences to all.  She will be greatly missed, I’m sure.  
Angela Musser Marrin

July 12, 2021

Wendy you were special to alot of people in Lancaster School District especially Parrish and me. We liked when you came to our school so we could make you smile. I will never forget you and that smile its something we needed to see in the hot summer to cool us down since we had no AC. You were our special Breeze. I live in Florida but will never forget you. Broke my heart to see you passed away so young. I know your family misses you as they morn your passing but I know someday we will meet again in Heaven. Sorry for your family but I hope your smile and memories will bring them some peace. God Bless you and them. See you in Heaven my Friend! Semper fi Jon

July 12, 2021

Dear Phoebe,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom.  You and your dad will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Ella Funk

July 11, 2021

Bob, Phoebe, and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this extremely difficult time. 
Jim Hebel

July 11, 2021

Wishing all of the Bender/Hahn families my deepest condolences. Haven’t seen Wendy since High School, but remember her fondly since she was kind to me. Sorry for your loss.
Gary Leauby

July 11, 2021

Sorry for your loss. Our prayers will be with you and your family.
Mr&Mrs Robert R. Dock

July 11, 2021

Wendy you are an inspiration to so many people I will miss your smile. I am blessed to call you my friend. Rest in peace . Erik Weiss

July 11, 2021

Bob and Pheobe you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wendy’s positive attitude and that Great smile is how everyone will remember her. She will be missed so much by all her friends and co- workers. She truly was an exceptional person who meant so much to so many people. 
Bob Diller

July 11, 2021

Words cannot describe the loss of someone so special like Wendy!   She was the light that never stopped shining.  Her smile was infectious.  The world has lost a good soul and heaven has gained an angel!
Barry Garber

Visitation
Thursday, July 15, 2021
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
LCBC Church - Manheim
2392 Mount Joy Road
Manheim, PA 17545
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Services
Thursday, July 15, 2021
2:00 PM
LCBC Church - Manheim
2392 Mount Joy Road
Manheim, PA 17545
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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