Obituary of Joann B. Bender

Joann B. Bender, 71, of Iowa City, died unexpectedly Friday, July 24, 2015. A gathering for family and friends will be held from 3-4:30 p.m., Friday, July 31st at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, concluding with a time of sharing, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Following that time, an open house will be held at 2433 Nevada Avenue in Iowa City. Memorials in Joann's name may be directed to the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa. Joann Beth Bender graduated from Kirkwood High school in St. Louis, Missouri in 1961, and earned her Nursing Degree from St. Louis' Deaconess College of Nursing in 1964. She was dedicated to her career in nursing and to helping others. She worked at the St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Luke's in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, The University of Iowa Orthopedics Department and Hospital Schools. She later worked part-time at WIC of Johnson County. Joann had a strong sense of community and volunteered continuously throughout her life. She was an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, as each of her children where "Littles". She served on the board, organizing events, and as a recruiter. She was integral to the organization's transition from the locally based PALS program to the Big Brothers Big Sisters national affiliation. For the past ten years, she was an active member of the Brain Injury Alliance of Southeastern Iowa, serving on the board, organizing events, and helping to create a support group for caretakers. In 2013 she was named volunteer of the year through The ARC. She was a devoted single mother of four, a daughter, a big sister, and a friend. She never hesitated to go the extra mile – literally or figuratively – for those she loved. Her love and generosity expended far beyond the family she was born into. Many people regarded her as second a mother and a grandmother. She organized family events, hosted holidays, and was the keeper of the family history. She loved to travel and experience new things. She was an artist, loved to sew and craft. She was a do-it-yourselfer to the end. She was the definition of strength, fortitude, and grace, and demonstrated this through every challenge she faced. She was always present, willing to listen, often giving advice, forming a plan and taking action; whether aiding a friend in need or caring for a sick family member she gave her all. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Harold Harger and her youngest son, Bret Bender. She is survived by her children, Scott (Santwana Dasgupta), Sarah and Kathleen (Seth Owen), and their families; a sister, Pat Bax, and brothers, Tom (Barb) Harger, and Jim (Karen) Harger, and their families. Joann was an amazing, independent woman whose strength and luminosity will continue to radiate. She will continue to be a motivation in the lives of everyone she knew.