BENDER, Lucy Witt

Handwritten obituary from Wilton M – thanks so much

Lucy Witt Bender was born in Kovno, Russia; the only child of Mary and Raymond Portowsky. When she was five years old, her mother and father died and she was brought up on the estate of her uncle, Count Witkievich. The family were cousins of Prince Oginski.

Lucy Witt Bender was educated at the Zarina’s Royal Academy for the children of the Nobility. Later she was sent to Paris, France and to Berlin, Germany to finish her music education. She was a fine musician and could also read and write seven different languages. She was married at the age of 14 years to Stanley Jazdowski and to this union were born four children: Stanley, Wanda, Charles Stanley and Lucy. She was widowed at the age of 24 years and came to America, alone with her four children. The first ship sank and many of her things were lost. They were on three different ships and the trip took over 30 days. They came to Boston, Massachusetts and several years later she married Frank Bender. To this union was born four sons, three of whom died in infancy; only Alfred Bender survived.

Lucy Witt Bender lived in th is community (Danville and Westville, Ill) for the past 50 years. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lucy Witt Daugherty in 1927, and her husband, Frank Bender in 1935. There survives two sons, Stanley Bender of Taylorsville, Illinois and Alfred Bender who is now in France with the 9th Air Force. Also a daughter, Mrs. Joseph Slazas, of Hillsboro, Indiana; also 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Lucy Witt Bender died in August 1944 at the age of 77 years at Danville, Illinois. She is buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville, Illinois. Additional notes by Lucy Slazas Crumley:

Baby Charles Stanley (Grandma Bender’s) died while still an infant.

Wandy (Fanny) Slazas died July 14, 1971.

Alfred Bender, born 1902, died June 2 0, 1977

Lillian Leverenz (daughter of Lucy Witt Bender) died Sept 7, 1987

The original of this obituary of Grandma Bender was written by Lillian Leverenz, daughter of Lucy Witt Bender.

Noted by Mutti: Lucy Witt Bender born in 1867. Married 1881 Emigrated to USA 1891