Helen Bender

Our dear friend Helen Bender died this last week on Tuesday, 18 May 2021. She was 88 years old. Helen Marie Gonzales was born (8 Sep 1932) in Inglewood, California, to a large and welcoming family. She was child number nine. Her parents were the handsome Jose Valentin Gonzales (1888-1963) and the beautiful Maria de la Concepcion Lerma (1891-1977). Three years later, baby Rosemary would complete the family. The ten siblings were four boys and six girls.

After High School Helen found secretarial work at Northrop Grumman. She also found her future husband who just happened to work at the same place. Helen and William George Bender, (better known as Bill Bender the artist) were married 22 Dec 1957 and made their home in Oro Grande, California.

Next, Helen found work at the Barstow Marine Base working with and storing microfiche data. It was modern work, but a long drive. Then just a mile from home, the perfect job was advertised. Helen became a bilingual aide for the Helendale School District. For 19 years she loved her classes and their families. She did everything possible to boost the success of her students. She also loved it when they came back to see her as they celebrated graduation from High School or had special proud moments. Helen and Bill always helped make Cinco de Mayo a big deal at school.

Bill died 5 Jan 2016 at the age 97. Helen was able to remain in their home for 5 more years. The last four weeks of her life she stayed at Loving Care Ranch where she passed away on 18 May 2021. She is survived by her younger sister Rosemary Reid.

Helen’s Caregivers