Cordia M. Bender, 90, of South Bend, passed away at 3:55 am, Monday, January 10, 2011 in South Bend. She was born on April 2, 1920 in Corydon, KY, the daughter of John and Wallace (Watson) Nally. In addition to her parents, Cordia was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Robert Bender, and her only child, Dianna Jo Bortz, who died last month.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Dr. Jay Bortz of Allegan, MI, three loving grandchildren, Joel Cullum of Bristol, TN, Lisa Denise (Michael) Burkard of Charlotte NC, and Douglas (Tim Mizrahi) Cullum of Los Angeles, CA, and three great-grandchildren, Owen, Grace, and Joel.
Cordia''s adult life was spent in South Bend where she worked for many years in banking and at the University of Notre Dame Law School. She had her pilot''s license as a young woman, in a time when this was a rarity. Cordia was an avid bridge player, enjoyed watching college football, and had a talent for ceramic painting. She was a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church.
A private graveside service will occur at a later date. Arrangements for Mrs. Bender and her family have been made through Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola.

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