Obituary
Dr. Bender was the former principal of Carl Schurz High School, where she developed lifelong relationships with her teachers and students. Many pupils continued to consult Dr. Bender when they decided upon essential life decisions. She wrote her doctoral thesis at Loyola University Chicago on the topic of Jewish Russians who emigrated to the United States during the 60s-80s to pursue the American dream.
In the last months of Dr. Bender’s life, her niece, Elaina Bender, provided essential care and support to her aunt with much love and compassion.
Dr. Bender was predeceased by her husband John E. McNeal ESQ and her two brothers Hon. Gerald Bender and Sherwin Bender ESQ. She is survived by her sister Phyllis (Dr. Lawrence) Fogelson and sister-in-law Sharon Sue Bender. Dr. Bender is aunt to many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews including Andrea (Joseph) DeRosier, Lisa (Stuart) Drucker, Michael Bender, Gary Fogelson, Alissa Bender, Heather Bender, Joel Fogelson, Isaac (Nicole) Bender, Elaina Bender, Mitchell (Jeanine) Bender.
Dr. Bender was the daughter of the late Morris and Rose Bender, who guided and loved her throughout their lives.
Chapel service, Friday, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Masks required to attend the chapel service. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jewish United Fund, juf.org. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Friday, May 27th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Chapel Service
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
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June 4th, 2022
Sharon and I became close friends when I moved to West Rogers Park in 1962. We graduated Boone and Mather High school together. We stayed in touch all these years. My condolences to her family, especially Peppy.
Rest in peace my dear, dear friend.
~Judith Nichols
~friend, Westerville
May 28th, 2022
While employed at Schurz I knew Sharon Bender first as a colleague then as a boss when she became principal. Though she was a tough boss to all of us she respected the work I did there and I was rewarded accordingly. It was tough for me to leave her when I transferred to a different school but she was retiring that very same year coincidentally. She will be missed by many I’m sure. May she be in Heaven with the righteous as she always said at the passing of another, Tony Pons
~Tony Pons
~Employee and friend, Chicago, Illinois
May 27th, 2022
I met Sharon at Austin High School in the English Department. She was a force to be reckoned with. She took no stuff off of anyone. Later She became my Principal at Schurz High School & I one of her 6 Assistant Principals. She was a real Victor & any competition she participated in during our rein together she Won. Like or disliked she Commanded Respect.
~Najmah Abdul-Ahad
~Co-Worker, Chicago,IL
May 27th, 2022
Sharon was a fighter for what ever was the right thing to do . She backed me 110 percent with her love and understanding . Her laugh was heart felt . A remarkable women , cousin and friend . You will be missed 💕
~Carol Buxbaum Chabowski
~First cousins, Crossville,Tennessee
May 26th, 2022
Sharon and I spend a lot of time together when we were young.
I remember sleeping over and walking to Shul Saturday morning.
Sharon Rae was always very dear to me. My heart is saddened.
My sympathies to the family, especially my Darling Cousin Peppy❤️❤️
~Judi Mesisca
~Cousin, Las Vegas
Guest Book and Memories
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