Lucille (Lucy) Élaine Bender

Lucy fait partie de ma vie et de la vie de mes animaux depuis plus de 35 ans. De plus, nous avons partagé un lieu de travail. Étant toutes les deux des lève-tôt, on se rencontrait au bureau avant 7h et je me souviens de bien des fou-rires. Lucie était aimée par ses collègues qui appréciaient sa répartie, son sens de l''humour parfois cynique et sa franchise. Je garderai toujours en souvenir les repas partagés avec Alan et Lucy. Lucy adorait la nourriture et Alan et moi on aimait lui cuisiner de bons petits plats. Ma vie professionnelle ne sera plus jamais la même sans toi et nos rencontres matinales. Tu es partie trop tôt mon amie.

I still remember my very first day with her — her patience, her kindness, the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. Her quick wit, her thoughtful words, the warmth she carried — they could brighten even the hardest days. The moments we shared, both professional and personal, are treasures I will carry with me always.

When she began her battle with cancer two years ago, she met it with a courage that was nothing short of extraordinary. She faced each day with strength, grace, and an unyielding spirit. And even in her most challenging moments, she never lost her humor, her sharp wit, or the ability to bring light and laughter to those around her.

Madam Bender, though you are no longer with us, you will forever live on in our hearts, in our memories, and in the countless moments of joy and laughter we were so fortunate to share. in our hearts, in our memories, in the laughter we were lucky enough to share. Your courage, your kindness, and your light will remain with us always.

Goodbye, Madam Bender.

Her door was always open to listen to anything and everything I had on my mind. She was always a straight shooter and we all loved her for it. She knew so many people and I was blessed to have meet so many of them. Because of you, Lucy, I have Lulu and I'll be forever thankful.

I have lost a dear friend of 40 years. We came together initially through our jobs but our mutual love of dogs brought us to be family. My husband Thomas Curley and I showed Lucy’s chow Chase. He was Lucy’s pride and joy and she revelled in his show career and loved nothing more than watching him being shown and talking chows. Chase came to live with us when Lucy had her hip operation and loved the fact that Chase would let the chihuahuas and Pekingese crawl over him and sleep curled up with him. Lucy would do anything for her dogs, they were her world. We loved Lucy for her kindness and sense of humour, I will miss her so much. You fought like a warrior my dear friend

My decade long tenure as the Director of Court Operations was a period of significant and scary change. One of the important changes that affected the people who worked within courts was the transfer of Provincial Offences to Municipalities throughout the Province. It was important to me to find a people-oriented results driven professional public servant to work with local Court Management teams to ensure a smooth transition in a way that limited negative effects on staff. I found that person in Lucy Bender who brought her straight-forward, no nonsense, intelligent and compassionate approach, and wonderful sense of humour, to working with others to ensure a successful and seamless transfer. When the project was completed, the timing coincided with the Region’s search for a new Assessment and Hearings Officer. Having witnessed her good judgement and her desire to learn new things, I was pleased to put together a learning plan for Lucy. Once again, she excelled by proving that she was a life-long learner. In a recent text exchange, I told her that, although I had the opportunity to work with many talented and dedicated public servants throughout my career, she was one of the best hires I had ever made for the reasons I outlined above. Lucy, you have made a significant contribution to the lives of many, you have fought the good fight, may you rest in peace. Tom Fagan

I have lost a dear friend and Smudge’s grandma.
When we met at many chow specialties you were always so welcoming to the us.
As I got involved in other dog sports, you were always watching and encouraging me to follow my path with my chows. You talked me into doing a rally demo with Caydence. The following year you asked us to do a carting and scent detection demo.

The friendship bond was born.

You were always willing to provide positive comments on our freestyle videos.

You loved that I asked your opinion on picking Smudge. You understood what personality I wanted to continue to dance. You picked perfectly. Your Smudgette loves to dance and make people smile.
We already miss our video chats, phone calls, and daily texts.
We know our guardian angel will be watching over us
Love Moe and Smudge

Graham and I would like to send our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beloved Lucy. Graham first met Lucy when he was Facility Manager at the Ottawa Courthouse. Their working relationship soon moved on to a friendship which led to all four of us getting together.
Lucy’s love of her Chows was undeniable. In addition to her love of Chows, Lucy loved her birthdays. She would start at the beginning of the month to tell us her Birthday was coming up. This led to Chef Graham planning birthday dinners at our home with Lucy, Alan, Genny, Tony, Lynda and Steven. Graham always prepared delicious dinners and Lynda brought the homemade birthday cake. As we always had appetizers beforehand, I always made sure I had stuffed olives on a dish as this was one of Lucy’s favourites (and mine). I will think of you always, Lucy, when I eat olives without you. These gatherings of friends were so heartwarming – good laughs and great conversations were had by all.
Another one of our favourite get togethers with Lucy and Alan was at the Pearl House in Manotick for Chinese Food.
You will be missed by many Lucy and you will never be forgotten.

I’m so sorry to hear about Lucy’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Lucy at the courthouse and we shared many early morning laughs together. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and fur babies.

Lucy and I first met as classmates at Rideau High School where she was bright and funny with a self assurance beyond her years.
Fast forward a few (30 or so) years, we reconnected when Lucy came to work at the Ottawa Courthouse where I also worked. That bright, funny girl was apparent in the professional woman with an unmistakable air of mischief. I feel fortunate that we rekindled our friendship, enjoying many good times together including the Rideau High School 60th reunion.
Lucy fought cancer with courage and grace.  We have lost a shining light and that loss will be felt by so many.
My heartfelt condolences to Allan and to Lucy's many friends, I grieve with you.