Doreen Ann Bender

Other Events:

• Name: Doreen Ann Snyder
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-28857

Notes:

Snyder, Doreen (nee Bender) - Age 56 years, died at peace, at University Hospital, London, on March 1, 1998, after a brief battle with lymphoma and thankful for eight years of extended life after a single lung transplant. She was an active member of Erb St. Mennonite Church. Throughout her life she focussed her energies on school teaching, private art lessons, Christian Education and Art Therapy. She was also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her love and care were also felt in many close personal relationships outside her family. Doreen is survived by her husband, Doug Snyder; daughters, July Snyder-Penner and her husband Russel and Jane Snyder and her husband Karl Kessler; loving Nana to Vanessa Snyder-Penner; daughter of Alice Bender; sister of Miriam Higgins and her husband Don, Sandra Roth and her husband Armand, Karen Lebold and her husband Harold, Robert Bender and his wife Gladys; daughter-in-law to Alice Snyder; sister-in-law to Don and Katherine Snyder, Peter and Marilyn Snyder. Also lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father, Ruben Bender and her father-in-law, Etril Snyder. Doreen's family will receive friends at Erb St. Mennonite Church, 131 Erb St. W., Waterloo, tonight (Tuesday) from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. A memorial/worship service will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 7: 30 p.m. at Erb St. Mennonite Church, with Rev. Renee Sauder officiating. As expressions of sympathy, donations will be accepted to University Hospital London Transplant Unit, Mennonite Central Committee or a charity of one's choice. Donations may be made through the Edward R. Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo 745-8445. Cremation has taken place.

The Record, March 3, 1998

______________________

Remembering Doreen

Doreen was born at home in New Hamburg, the second of five children. Growing up in the hubbub of the Bender farm there were many special times with siblings, cousins and friends. We have heard many stories of silly play that ended in uncontrollable giggles. In her early years Doreen attended Steinmann Mennonite Church where she shared her creative talents by teaching Sunday School and Bible School from a young age.

Doreen's high school years were spent at Rockway Mennonite School where she participated in all school activities. Music was her specialty, however, and it was in a small singing group that she met Doug Snyder. Doug and Doreen were married in 1964 after seven years of courtship.

It gave Doreen great joy in life to care for and nurture her daughters. As Julie and Jane grew up, Willow Cottage, as the family home on Willow Street was affectionately known, became the gathering place for all of the neighbourhood kids as well as friends and cousins. Doreen loved having her children's friends around and was always ready with a special craft activity, juice and homemade popsicles.

Doreen's hospitality has been experienced by many over the years. During Doug's years with the Mennonite Central Committee and in pastoral ministry she graciously and joyously hosted many people overnight and for meals; it was rare to have a meal without at least one extra person at the table. During this time Doug and Doreen also committed themselves to living a simple lifestyle. They made their own bread, and Doreen experimented with soybeans and lentils -- a significant addition to her traditional Mennonite "home-cooking" repertoire.

As her children became more independent, Doreen returned to teaching. She began to give private art lessons to children out of the basement of her home. This program became so popular that she needed to move into a larger space and opened a private studio in 1980. Soon she was teaching 100 children a year and started an adult class as well. Personal relationships formed with students during that time have lasted through the years.

The church has always been a central focus of Doreen's life. Being a teacher by profession, and a creative spirit, she easily directed her energies to Christian Education. She taught Sunday School and Bible School and was one of the founders and leaders of the younger group at Erb Street Mennonite Church then known as Junior Church. She also wrote Sunday School and Bible School curricula for the Herald Press Series. Doreen also wrote devotions for Rejoice magazine and used her artistic gifts to write On the Line, a children's magazine.

In 1987 Doreen was diagnosed with a debilitating lung disease. There were many periods of grief as she gradually had to give up various segments of her life until, in 1989, she became totally bedridden. She was told that her only hope for life was a lung transplant which, at that time, was a rare and still very experimental procedure. Doreen embraced this hope whole-heartedly and once again drew on her creative spirit; this time for meditation and visualization as she struggled for survival. Finally, on December 1, 1989, a call came from University Hospital in London -- they had a lung for her. Doug has described how the news invigorated Doreen; it was as if her whole body suddenly came alive. It seemed that a current of energy moved all the way up through her limbs to the top of her head.

Although her body had been in an extremely weakened condition, Doreen's transplant was successful. To her family and friends it was a true miracle. In the years that followed she was an inspiration to other transplant candidates and recipients. She spoke in the community about donor awareness and in many churches about her spiritual journey through her illness.

Doreen's artistic talents and her unique ability to relate to many different people were united in a new vocation -- art therapy. For three years she commuted to University of Western Ontario in London to participate in its art therapy program. Occasionally this effort seemed to stretch her personal resources to the limit, but this was her way of insisting on living life to the fullest. She applied art therapy to assist many different people: at K-W Hospital, Family and Children Services, Pinehaven Nursing Home and with individual clients. However, it was not just the art that made a difference for these people, but the warmth of Doreen's gentle and generous spirit.

The last few months have been witness to a gradual decline in Doreen's health. Nevertheless, her love and her caring continued to be manifest in her many relationships. Toward the end of 1997 she planned a family trip to Florida that was to take place this past February. It had been a dream of hers to take a holiday in a warmer climate for some time. As it became evident two days before the trip that Doreen would be unable to travel she insisted that the rest of the family go on without her. She said she would be with them where ever they were. Doug and Doreen had hoped she would regain enough strength so they could join their family by the end of the week. Sadly, Doreen's condition took a sudden turn for the worse. Last Thursday she was diagnosed with lymphoma. She died early Sunday morning.

Doreen lived her life to her fullest potential until the very end. Although she faced many physical limitations these never limited the love and concern that she had for others.

Funeral Bulletin of Doreen Bender Snyder

Doreen — Douglas Noah "Doug" Snyder. Douglas (son of Etril Martin Snyder and Alice Alvina Weber) was born 14 Apr 1941, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Mar 2019, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27562093
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25940
• Misfortune: 1968, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; bus - car accident

Notes:

BENDER, REUBEN V., son of Noah and Lena (Ruby) Bender, was born in East Zorra Twp., June 23, 1910; died at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., following a car and bus accident, Feb. 21, 1968; aged 57 y. 7 m. 29 d. In 1934 he was married to Alice Litwiller, who survives. Also surviving are 5 children (Robert, Miriam--Mrs. Don Higgins, Doreen--Mrs. Douglas Snyder, Sandra--Mrs. Armand Roth, and Karen--Mrs. Harold LeBold), 6 grandchildren, 4 brothers (Eldon, Curtis, Ervin, and Ezra), and 3 sisters (Verda, Fanny--Mrs. Reuben Gingerich, and Mary--Mrs. Curtis Gingerich). One brother (Melvin) preceded him in death. He was a member of the Steinman Church, where funeral services were held Feb. 24, with Albert Zehr, Elmer Schwartzentruber, and Orland Gingerich officiating.

GOSPEL HERALD - Volume LXI, Number 14 - April 9, 1968, Pages 331-332

_________________

Well known Local Resident

Dies Of Accident Injuries

Reuben Bender

Reuben V. Bender, 57, of New Hamburg, died in hospital at Kitchener from injuries received in a highway crash Tuesday morning. Mr. Bender's car struck the rear end of a Gray Coach Lines bus driven by George Richardson, of London.

According to Provincial Police who Investigated the accident, the eastbound bus had stopped on highway 7B and 8B Just east of Baden to pick up a passenger when the accident occurred.

Mr. Bender, who had operated several businesses in New Hamburg, was born June 23, 1910 in East Zorra Township, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Noah S. Bender.

In New Hamburg, he had operated a farm supply depot and agency for farm Implements and tractors. More recently, he had worked as a salesman and last fall became an agent for a Kitchener realtor.

Surviving are his wife, the former Alice Litwiller,whom he married in 1934; a son, Robert, at home; four daughters, Mrs.Donald (Miriam) Higgins and Mrs. Douglas (Doreen) Snyder, both of Kitchener, Mrs. Armand (Sandra) Rodi of Shakespeare and Mrs. Harold (Karen) Lebold of London, Ont.; four brothers, Elton of Kitchener, Curds of Spring Bay, Ervin of Guelph and Ezra of New Hamburg; three sisters, Verda of Parkhlll, Mrs. Curtis of Spring Parkhill, Mrs. Curtis (Mary) Gingerich of Zurich and Mrs. Reuben (Fanny) Glngerich of Alsa Craig, and six grandchildren. A brother , Melvin, died last year.

The body was at the Bruce J. Omand Funeral Home, New Hamburg, until noon Saturday when removal was made to Steinman A. M. Church near Baden for the service. Rev. Albert Zehr and Elmer Schwartzentruber officiated and temporary entombment was made in Graff Memorial Chapel, Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg.

Reuben married Alice Litwiller 1934. Alice (daughter of John R. Litwiller and Magdelena "Mattie" Schwartzentruber) was born 1912, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Sep 2004; was buried , Steinmann Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27562145
• Name: Alice Bender
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-28153
• Residence: 1978, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44109964
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124047
• Residence: 1949, Peel St., New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Bender, Noah S., son of Solomon and Veronica (Steinman) Bender, was born in East Zorra Twp., Ont., May 13, 1881; died at the K-W Hospital, Aug. 10, 1961; aged 80 y. 2 m. 28 d. In Jan. 1905, he was married to Magdalena Ruby, who died in Nov., 1949. Surviving are 9 children (Melvin, Ailsa Craig, Ont.; Reuben, New Hamburg; Elton and Varna Curtis, Spring Bay; Ervin, Baden; Ezra and Verda, New Hamburg; Fannie-Mrs. Reuben Gingerich, Ailsa Craig; and Mary-Mrs. Curtis Gingerich, Zurich), 35 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Mrs. Katie Baechler, New Hamburg; and Mrs. Mary Ruby, Albuquerque, N. Mex.). He was a member of the Wilmot A.M. Church. Funeral services were held at Steinman's A.M. church, Aug. 12, in charge of Peter Nafziger and Orland Gingerich.

Gospel Herald - Volume LIV, Number 40 - October 10, 1961 - page 902, 903.

Noah married Magdalena Ruby 19 Jan 1905. Magdalena (daughter of Christian R. Ruby and Anna Roth) was born 12 Jun 1884, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 20 Nov 1949, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Steinmann Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44109969
• Name: Magdalena Bender
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124048
• Residence: 1949, Peel St., New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Bender. - Magdalena, daughter of the late Christian and Anna (Roth) Ruby, was born in East Zorra Twp., near Tavistock, Ont., June 12, 1884; passed away at her late home in New Hamburg, Ont., Nov. 20, 1949; aged 65 y. 5 m. 3 d. On Jan. 19, 1905, she was united in marriage to Noah S. Bender, who survives. Also surviving are 9 children (Melvin, Ailsa Craig, Ont.; Elton, Varna, Ont; Reuben, Curtis, Ervin, Ezra, all of New Hamburg; Verda, at home; Fannie-Mrs. Reuben Gingerich, Ailsa Craig; Mary-Mrs. Curtis Ginergerich, Zurich, Ont.), 20 grandchildren, and 2 brothers (John, Ontario; and Eli, New Mexico). In her youth she became a servant of the Lord and united with the Amish Mennonite Church. Her life was one of unselfish devotion to her Master. She was a loving mother and a wise counselor. In 1947 she suffered from a paralytic condition which affected her speech. Funeral services were held Nov. 23 at the home by Elmer Schwartzentruber and at the Steiman Church by Peter Nafziger, Jesse J. Short, and Moses O. Jantzi.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLIII, Number 4 - January 24, 1950-page 94, 95

__________

Rest in the Lord In Loving Memory of Magdalena (Ruby) Bender Beloved wife of Noah S. Bender Who fell asleep on Sunday, November 20th, 1949 at the age of 65 years, 5 months and 8 days. Funeral will take place from her late residence, Peel street, New Hamburg, on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, at 2 o'clock p.m., to Steinman's A.M. Church for service. Interment in the adjoining Cemetery. [verse]

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14872916
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77125
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Railroad Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John R. Litwiller

As a result of a heart attack, Mr. John R. Litwiller passed away last Friday night, April 10, at his home in Petersburg at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 18 days. The deceased was a lifelong resident of Wilmot Township and was well known and highly esteemed. He was a faithful member of the St. Agatha Amish-Mennonite Church. The deceased farmed for about 36 years and two years ago retired and moved to Petersburg.

The deceased was married to Magdalena Schwartzentruber, who survives him, besides two sons, Herbert of Waterloo and Clayton, of Southwest Wilmot and three daughters, (Gertrude) Mrs. Ben Herner, at home, (Ida) Mrs. Norman Gascho, Petersburg, and (Alice) Mrs. Reuben Bender, of New Hamburg. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Aaron Wagler, Baden, and Miss Katie Litwiller, St. Agatha, and eleven grandchildren.

The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon from his late home to the St. Agatha A.-M. Church for service, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev. Peter Nafziger of St. Agatha and Rev. Moses O. Jantzi of Baden. A large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives attended the funeral.

New Hamburg Independent, April 17, 1942

John — Magdelena "Mattie" Schwartzentruber. Magdelena (daughter of Jacob Schwartzentruber and Phillipine "Bina" Erb) was born 24 Mar 1878, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Jun 1945; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdelena "Mattie" Litwiller
• Name: Mattie Schwartzentruber
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-120842
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-140475
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Bender, Solomon M. Bender fifth son of John and Catherine (Miller) Bender, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., June 14, 1854; died at his home on Nov. 16, 1926, near Tavistock, Ont., at the age of 72 y. 5 m. 2 d. On Dec. 12, 1876, he was joined in holy wedlock to Sister Veronica Steinman of Waterloo Co., Ont., and moved to the farm in East Zorra where they lived until his death. This union was blest with eight children of whom three preceded him in death. Bro. Bender always took an active part in Sunday school work and young people's meetings. His seat in church was seldom vacant. He was always able to attend to the very last as the call of death came very sudden. He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife, 2 sons and 2 daughters (Noah of New hamburg, Ont.; Simon, of Tavistock, Ont.; Mary, wife of Eli Ruby in California; and Katie, wife of Amos Baechler on the homestead). Daniel, the oldest son, has not been heard from for eighteen years . 25 grandchildren (3 preceded him), and 2 brothers (Samuel and Daniel) also survive. Services at the home were conducted by Bro. Menno Kipfer and by Bros. Dan Leobold, Osiah Cressman in English, and Bro. Dan S. Jutzi in German, at East Zorra A. M. Church where a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to our departed brother. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XIX, No. 48 - February 24, 1927, pages 1022, 1023

Solomon married Veronica "Fanny" Steinman 12 Dec 1876. Veronica (daughter of Daniel E. Steinman and Elisabeth Gardner) was born 31 Aug 1855, Of, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario; died 6 Jan 1937, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , East Zorra Amish Mennonite Cemetery, East Zorra Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Bender
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-140476

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124050

Christian — Anna Roth. Anna was born 14 Dec 1842, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 26 Sep 1919; was buried , East Zorra Mennonite Cemetery, East Zorra Township, Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Ruby
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124053

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80892
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Fatal Accident

Mr. Litwiller, a farmer near St. Agatha, died on Sunday last from injuries received in that village a day or two before, when he fell from a stairway, breaking several ribs and perforating his lungs. He was a very highly respected resident.

Wellesley Maple Leaf Aug 18 1904 pg 3

Peter — Leah Roth. Leah (daughter of John L. Roth and Catherine "Katie" Boshart) was born 8 Mar 1850, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Litwiller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80893
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77014
• Residence: 1862, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Jacob married Phillipine "Bina" Erb 28 Oct 1862, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Phillipine (daughter of Christian Erb and Elisabeth Schultz) was born 15 Nov 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Bef 1911. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Bena Erb
• Name: Jacobine Erb
• Name: Phillipine "Bina" Schwartzentruber
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77015
• Residence: 1862, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite