Monika Gertrude Bender

Monika Bender passed away suddenly of an undisclosed illness in her Ottawa home on May 2, 2022, she leaves behind her loving son Robert "Bobby" Bird. Monika was predeceased by her partner Bob "Birdman" Bird and her father Josef Bender. Also, left to grieve are her mother Wilma Bender and her siblings Richard, Peter (Brenda), Christine (Don), Robert, Arny (Malim), Katherine (Dave), her niece, nephews, extended family and friends.

Monika was born in La Serena, Chile her family immigrated to Canada in the early 60s and settled in Calgary, Alberta. After she graduated high school Monika worked in the financial sector. Several years later Monika met her partner Bob Bird in Calgary and shortly after that they moved to Bob’s home town of Ottawa. Monika’s only child Bobby was born in 1981. After Monika and Bob separated, Monika was the primary caregiver and was extremely busy raising her active son and working full time in a bank. She especially enjoyed making sure Bobby was busy with sports and loved watching all his sporting events. On occasion, Monika sometimes with Bobby in tow was able to travel west to reconnect with family, these visits were always special to Monika and her family. In Ottawa South, Monika lived in the same townhouse complex for many years and this is where she met her dear friend/neighbour Carole. Most recently Monika worked at Loblaws but retired at the start of the pandemic.

Monika was a quiet soul who enjoyed the cats she had over the years and puttering in her flower garden. She was very proud of Bobby and was always happy to share his achievements and adventures; they were lucky to have each other. Even though Monika has gone from this earth and will be missed deeply she still remains in the hearts of those that loved her.

A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON. The family invites you to pay your respects between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. You're welcome to join the family at 6:45 pm to share the essence of her life with a celebrant.

In memory of Monika, donations can be made to the SPCA.