Lisa Bender

Lisa Ann Bender, 65, of Bethany, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at UCONN Waterbury Hospital in the loving presence of her son James, daughter Ashley, and husband of 31 years Edward Bender.

Born on July 23, 1960, Lisa was the beloved daughter of the late Ernest Dunn and Dolores Kozak Sterbinsky; she is survived by her brother, Michael Dunn of West Haven, and was predeceased by her sister, Sharon Dunn.

A devoted nurse throughout her life, Lisa dedicated herself to caring for others with extraordinary compassion, kindness, and professionalism. Her patients were fortunate to experience not only her skilled nursing care but also her genuine warmth and unwavering concern for their well-being.

Lisa had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed and valued. She approached life with an open heart, never judgmental and always able to see the best in people. Her kindness, encouragement, and belief in others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband Ed, her cherished daughters, Aime Schueler and her husband Keith of Orange, and Ashley Bowen Samor of Stratford; and her son, James Bowen and his wife Jenny of Vermont. Lisa was the proud and devoted grandmother of Alice Bowen, Sadie Schueler, Jace Schueler, Remington Samor, and Cazimira Samor - all of whom brought immense joy to her life. She also leaves behind many dear friends who held a special place in her heart.

Lisa proudly served as a nurse for the State of Connecticut Department of Correction, working at both Garner Correctional Institution and the Whalley Avenue facilities. Her commitment to caring for others extended throughout her distinguished career and touched countless lives.

Lisa’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful friends, as well as the caring staff of MidState Medical Center, Hartford HealthCare Hospice, and Waterbury Hospital for the compassion, comfort, and support they provided during her illness.

Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Road, Prospect. The Connecticut Nurses Honor Guard will present the Nightingale Tribute at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge. Those attending are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to assist Lisa’s family during this difficult time and invites family and friends to share words of love, comfort, and support on Lisa’s tribute wall on this website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lisa Bender, please visit our floral store.