Violet Mary (DaPra) Bender

Violet Bender, 98, of Canonsburg died January 18,2021 from complications of Covid.  She was born in Avella on March 18, 1922, daughter of Mary Bogo DaPra  and Fiori DaPra.  Two brothers, Primo (Naomi) and Clement (Toni) preceded her in death.

On January 20, 1940,in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg, she married John (Jack) Bender who passed away in March, 1990. Their only child, John Lawrence, died in 2004.  Surviving are her daughter-in-law and best friend, Barbara Sebelia Bender, of Washington Pa.; and two granddaughters, Rebecca Kronman (Jeremy) of Fox Chapel, PA; Lorie Untch (Eric) of Peters Township, PA. Violet was blessed to know and be loved by seven great grandchildren: Jacob, Benjamin, David, Ava, and Alex Kronman and Nathaniel and Stephanie Untch.

Violet loved and was devoted to her nieces and nephews: Mary Ann Dapra Elewski (Chester), Debbie DaPra Hoy (Ron and son, Jerzy), Patti DaPra Ashcom (Jim), C.J. DaPra (Kathy and daughter, Allison), Kevin DaPra (children, Brian(Becca),Jason, and Cindy (Josh). She considered her dear friends, Ed and Eileen Markle, to be her second family.

Violet retired from the RCA where she was employed for 31 years as a payroll coordinator.  She served as the RCA Credit Union President, President of the RCA Retirement Club, and received the RCA Volunteer of the Year Award in 1976.

Violet was always an active member of her church and her community.

Immediately after graduating from Canonsburg High School, she began volunteering by selling World War II bonds.  She volunteered at the Canonsburg Hospital as a member of the auxiliary for more than 20 years.  Vi will be remembered as the gracious lady who brought the goodie cart as she visited the sick. For over 40 years, she volunteered for the American Cancer Society,  serving on the Board and coordinating Daffodil Days.  She received the ACS Jeweled Sword Award and Inspirational Award.  Violet served as President of the Canonsburg BPW and received the Woman of the Year in 1990.

As an active member of St. Patrick Church, she served on the Parish Council. Violet was a Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Christian Mothers and Women’s Guild and CDA Court 1211.

While Violet was an avid flower gardener, who also enjoyed music, sports, and travel, she said her greatest love and joy came from people. Her life truly reflected that!

Due to uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a Mass of Christian burial and all services are private. Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, Ltd., 30 East College Street Canonsburg, PA, 15317, Phillip L. Sollon, Supervisor, 724-746-1000. Visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.

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