Freda Kathryn (Shearer) Bender

Freda Kathryn (Shearer) Bender

Loved Being with Family and Friends -

Freda Kathryn (Shearer) Bender, age 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Thornwald Nursing & Rehab in Carlisle.  Freda was born on Wednesday, September 14, 1927, in New Cumberland to the late David F. Shearer and Essie (Shughart) Shearer.  Freda was the widow of Robert “Bob” “Beanie” Franklin Bender, whom she married on July 18, 1948, and who died on April 21, 2014.  In addition to her parents and husband, Freda is preceded in death by her two sisters: Norma Smyers and Dorothy “Dot” Neal.

Freda’s survivors include her son, Thomas “Tom” S. Bender of Mechanicsburg; her sister, Ida Mae Eppley of Belleville; and several nieces and nephews.

Freda graduated from Boiling Springs High School as part of the class of 1945.  She retired from The Ryans Store in Mechanicsburg, after many years of service working as a salesperson.  She also was employed by Reeves Hoffman in Carlisle.  Freda was a longtime member of the First Church of God in Mechanicsburg and was an honorary member of Citizens Fire & Rescue Company #2 in Mechanicsburg, where she volunteered in the kitchen for 50 years.  She enjoyed back porch sitting with the walking ladies from Westfields.  Freda also loved to travel, especially to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, the great Smokey Mountains and the New England States.  In the twilight of her life, Freda enjoyed sewing and just being at home.  Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.

All are welcome to join Freda’s family at her celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 2:00 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory); with Celebrant Patti Vogl officiating.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  A graveside committal service and internment will follow the open house in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Freda’s life can be made to Mechanicsburg Museum Association, 2 West Strawberry Alley, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; or The Bubbler Foundation, 4 Academy Street, Suite 100, Boiling Springs, PA 17007, www.bubblerfoundation.org.

Freda’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Freda’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Freda's family via video chat or telephone on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, beginning at approximately 1:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88243156378? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 882 4315 6378 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.

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