Mrs. Ann Frances Bender, 94, a resident of the St. Luke’s Home, New Hartford, formerly of N. Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the nursing home. Ann was born in Utica, on March 25, 1927, the daughter of Joseph P. and Guiditta (Semeraro) Tinelli. She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Proctor High School. In November of 1947, Ann was united in marriage with Thomas Bender, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 44 years, until Thomas’ death in 1991. For 22 years, Ann was employed in the Radio Receiver Division of General Electric Company. She later went to work at Woolworth’s department store, a job she truly loved, until her retirement. Ann had a real talent for sewing and crocheting, but her true joy was spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a parishioner of St. Mark’s Church, N. Utica. Mrs. Bender is survived by her daughter, Katherine Leach of N. Utica; her son, Joseph Bender of N. Utica; two cherished grandchildren, Michele and Timothy Bushley of Utica and Shawna and Dan Bonner of Herkimer; six adored great grandchildren, Jolene Leddick, Robert Moynihan, Jr., Thomas Moynihan, Kayleen Leddick, Abralene Leddick and Laura Bushley; one brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Fran Tinelli of Lawson, WV; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Howard and Dolores Bender of Utica; three nieces, Julie Tinelli Scheper and her husband Frank of NC, Kathleen Brown and her husband Tim of N. Utica and JoMarie Bender Drake of Stittville. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, John Leach, sister, Grace Stammer, brother, Angelo Tinelli and sister-in-law, Catherine Rjesnjansky. A private funeral and burial, under the direction of Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., N. Utica, will be held at the convenience of the family. Mrs. Bender’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff on the Barton East unit at the St. Luke’s Home, for the loving care and compassion you provided to Ann.