Mae L. Bender, 87, of Stockertown, died Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Gracedale Nursing Home, Nazareth. She was the wife of the late Raymond B. Bender Jr. Born October 1, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Willard J. and Arlene A. (Nicholas) Butz.

Mae was a 1957 graduate of Nazareth High School and dedicated 34 years of service as a nurse’s aide at Gracedale Nursing Home, where she cared for others with compassion and kindness. She enjoyed auto racing and had a special love for lighthouses, visiting different lighthouses and collecting lighthouse decorations over the years. Following her retirement, she loved traveling to Lancaster County, Branson, Missouri, and Kentucky. Above all, Mae treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and were the center of her life.

Surviving are her children, Keith Bender (Cheryl) of Emmaus, Kevin Bender (Joan) of Easton, Jeffrey Bender (Annette) of Bangor, and Cheryl Ann Bowers (Michael) of Lansford; 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; brother, Lester Butz; sisters, Marjorie Brown and Gloria Butz. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Dale Butz, LeRoy Butz, Carl Butz, Harold Butz, Ronald Butz, and Marlon Butz.

Friends and family are invited to call from 10:00-11:00 AM, Monday, June 1st at Schmidt Funeral Home PC, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth, followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow in Hope Cemetery, Hecktown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.