Loretta Marguerite Bender

Loretta Bender passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the age of 75 years after a short courageous battle with cancer .  Beloved wife of Keith Bender of Medicine Hat.  She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Tony Bender, Aaron (Jessie) Bender and Melissa Bender; nine grandchildren, Koby, Dante, Kade, Kiana, Brayden, Adara, Darian, Rylan and Olivia Bender; and her sister Lynn Ellis.  She was predeceased by her parents James and Melba Podesta; one sister Bonnie Ellis (1979) and one brother Michael Podesta (1989).  Loretta was born November 26, 1947 in Medicine Hat and was raised in Redcliff.  She received her education in Redcliff then Medicine Hat; graduating from Medicine Hat High School in 1967.  Loretta and Keith married in Redcliff on July 26, 1969.   From 1969 to 1980 she held various public and private sector secretarial positions during their time spent in Edmonton and Wainwright where her children were born.  The family returned to Medicine Hat in 1980 where Loretta could spend quality time with family and the communities she left behind.  She completed her working career in the office of St. Mary’s School where she was also able to keep a watchful eye on her children during their Junior High School years.  She enjoyed countless games, events, and trips following her children and then grandchildren through baseball, softball, hockey, ringette and school sport activities throughout Canada and the US.   She was an avid curling, hockey and baseball fan, especially during playoffs.  She enjoyed life to the fullest until various ailments affected her ability to participate actively.

  A time of remembrance will be announced at a later date. 

Those who wish to remember Loretta with a donation, may do so to the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta https://cfsea.ca (Rm # 104, 430 6 Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S8.

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