Mary Catherine Bender, 90, of Columbus, Indiana and formerly of East Sparta and Roswell, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Columbus Health & Rehabilitation Center following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Severino and Rose (Ruffini) Pancheri, Mary was born November 4, 1921 at Roswell, Ohio.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia as well as member of East Sparta Senior Citizens.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Barbara Uher of New Philadelphia; a daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Cusano of Columbus, Indiana; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Anthony “Tony” Cusano who passed away in 1978; her second husband, John Bender who passed away in 2006; her son, Joseph Cusano; a son-in-law, James Uher; her sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Louis Scolati and her brother, Joseph Pancheri who died while serving in World War II.

There will be no public visitation. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Mary by visiting the funeral home website.

Contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.