Mary Anne Bender

 Mary Anne Bender nee Conely passed away on April 16^th, 2023. Born in Philadelphia to Francis and Joan Conley, Mary Anne was a proud Ragdoll of Archbishop Ryan High School for Girls, as well as a graduate of Pierce Junior College. Mary Anne was a free spirit who always spoke her mind and followed her heart, moving after graduation to Southern California. She returned to the east coast to be with her family. Although she spent only a few short years there, she never lost her love for the region and delighted in telling her family stories of her adventures. Generous, charismatic, and kind, Mary Anne’s love for her friends and family was always on display as she settled down with her husband Neil to raise their children, Danny and Emily. She frequently described her children as the pride of her life and chose to work from home in order to spend more time with them. She spent 16 years with Reed Technology, drawing chemical structures for patents. During this time she also worked as a lunch lady at Bucks County Technical High School, and always had a friendly smile or joke for the students. Outside of work, Mary Anne loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, reading the latest JD Robb or Stephen King novel, keeping up with loved ones on Facebook, and of course collecting her famous rubber duckies. She is survived by husband Neil, children Daniel and Emily, father Francis, sisters Kathy and Patricia and their children, as well as countless friends. She is predeceased by mother Joan, stepmother Rose, and brother-in-law Michael. A graveside service will be held Sunday April 23rd at 11:30 AM at Montefiore cemetery, 600 Church Rd Jenkintown PA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the American Cancer Society.