Sandra Lee ?Sandy? Bender (Hayward)
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Sandra Lee "Sandy" Bender (Hayward), age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Knoxville on April 8 after battling Parkinson's Disease for many years, with her husband and family by her side. She was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on April 25, 1943, to Edward and Onedia Hayward. She was a 1961 graduate of Fond du Lac High School and attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Sandra was a resident of Knoxville for 51 years and a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church. She loved raising her three children, instilling in them the importance of education and encouraging all of them to pursue advanced degrees. She loved traveling and some of her favorite memories include a cruise in the Caribbean with husband Richard, traveling the Hawaiian islands with all three children, a trip to Paris with daughter, Michele, traveling around Italy and Greece with daughter, Robyn, and ski trips out west with son, Thomas. Sandra volunteered in the community helping women with mental illness. She cared for her church community supporting others with meals and encouragement in times of need. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts for many years, leading cookie drives and encouraging independence in young girls. She and Richard were married for 52 years. Preceded in death by her parents Edward and Onedia Hayward and infant brother, Dale. Survived by her husband Richard, daughters Michele Hearn (husband Brian), Robyn Bender (husband Allan Cobb), and son Thomas Bender; grandchildren Beatrice Prutsman (husband Jordan), Isabella Hearn and Russell Bender; sister Judy Damm (husband Richard).
Condolences and memories may be shared through Rose-Mann Mortuary, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, www.rosefuneraltn.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at: www.parkinsons.org.