Arlene Bender
June 03, 1943 - August 12, 2018
Visitation: Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, North Hills
Service: Saturday 11 a.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, North Hills
Arlene J. Bender- On Sunday August 12, with her beloved husband Jim of 50 years holding her hand. Loving mother of Jacqueline, Michelle (Tony Chidichimo), and Jim (Gina Riccardi) and grandmother of her precious Chloe and Lucas Chidichimo. As a North Hills School District elected board member for 32 years she often lead the district in its tradition of excellence with the theme “our children our tomorrow.” She tenaciously fought for the vulnerable students, faculty and staff. Also Arlene has served on the Beattie Career Center board of directors during its growth in programs and building. Arlene was a Sister of St. Francis of the Providence of God. Franciscanism affected every aspect of her life and had a tremendous impact on her style of leadership. Not autocratic, hierarchical, disengaged kind of leader, rather she was very much involved with people, and very available to people, willing to talk with people, willing to be frank with people, willing to challenge people, willing to raise questions. It is this Franciscan place within Arlene that allowed her to relate to every person with respect and dignity. Family will receive friends Friday 2-4, 6- 8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy. North Hills where a service will be held Saturday at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Allegheny Co. Memorial Park.
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Jim, Jackie & family,
You have my deepest sympathy with the loss of your wife and Mom. I pray that the greatest memories of Arlene will help you all through this difficult time. GOD Bless you all. Rest In Peace Arlene! Chuck Samek
Ward and I are holding you in our hearts.
Our hearts go out to all of you in these days of sorrow and loss.
Mary and Ray SchinhofenZ4WR
Our deepest sympathy.
Jimmy, our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will keep you & your family in our thoughts and prayers.
To Arlene’s family: I am very sorry to hear that Arlene died. I have appreciated her service to the North Hills School District and wanted to thank you, her family, for supporting her during her many years of volunteering.
In your grief, please know how valued your wife/mom was in our district.
In sympathy,
~Krissy Evans
Parent of 3 students at NHSD
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Arlene Bender, a passionate child advocate and believer in the inherent good of every person she knew. Jim, we are thinking of you and your family. You have our deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
Dear Jim and family,
You have my heartfelt sympathy upon the death of Arlene. She and I spent countless hours together trying to maintain the excellence of North Hills School District. We faced many difficult situations together, and Arlene always based her decisions on what was best for children. She was an outstanding Board member and a very kind person who will be greatly missed by all of us.
In sympathy,
John Esaias
To my long-time friend and “historian” of the North Hills School Board- you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.
A special friend to us. We will treasure all our memories of Arlene. Prayers for all the family.
All of you are in special thoughts and prayers as you grieve Arlene’s death. What a woman with a passion for children..and oh how she loved her Chloe and Lucas. Her spirit will live on in so many wonderful memories! She will be deeply missed…she sure made a mean spaghetti too! We were blessed to have her presence in our family!
Bender Family,
This is such a beautiful, touching tribute to Arlene! She was such an amazing person & will be so deeply missed by our family. We are so very sorry for your loss & will be keeping you in our thoughts & prayers always.
Love,
John, Lisa, Anthony, Chael, & Jude
Arlene was a beautiful lady with a big heart and she made everyone feel so special. I am so glad that she was my neighbor for many years. The world just lost a great person and heaven gained an angel. Praying for God to comfort her family at this difficult time.
The Bender family has always been the most loving family . In the center of that love is some amazing parents . My deepest sympathy for their loss of Arlene . I will always remember you as the fun loving woman who knew how to life life everyday. Love you always.
So sad to hear the loss of a lovely lady and good friend.
She was an advocate for children and teachers. She was a role model for how to run a school district. She was inspiring.
Jim,
Our thoughts are with you and your wonderful family.
Corky
Jim,
So sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Dolly McDonald
So sorry for your loss to your entire family. The Schulz family has such wonderful memories of Mrs. Bender. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I too remember Mrs. Bender as being a kind, caring neighbor and friend. My love to you all!