Ohio Member Leaves Charitable Bequest
Jean Willaman Bender was a lifetime resident of North Canton, Ohio. Her great-great-grandfather, Leonard Willaman, was a Revolutionary War solder. Her grandfather, George Willaman, was a Civil War veteran. Charles “Chuck” F. Bender was from nearby Greentown, Ohio. Chuck served in the U.S. Army in Korea, and Jean and Chuck were married in 1952 after his return from Korea. They were married for 50 years until he passed away in 2002.
Jean started working at The Hoover Company during World War II while she was a high school senior at North Canton High School and continued to work there for 43 years. Chuck was also employed by The Hoover Company. During their married life, Jean and Chuck both enjoyed travelling throughout Ohio and the United States. Jean loved to play cards and was known for her love of a good time with her friends. After suffering a stroke in 2009, Jean’s vision was limited, but she continued to play cards as long as she was able. Jean was a lifetime member of Zion United Church of Christ in North Canton, Ohio, and belonged to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 548.
Jean supported 18 charities with bequests after her passing in November 2013 at the age of 88, including a charitable bequest to The American Legion Auxiliary National Organization.
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