Mary L. (Graff) Bender Heffner

Mary L. Bender Heffner, 92, of Montoursville passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025. In a final act of generosity and dedication to helping others, she chose to donate her body to science, contributing to ongoing research and education at Hershey Medical Center.

Born December 9, 1932, in Williamsport, she was a daughter of the late Raymond S. and Elizabeth B. (Mitsdarfer) Graff.

Mary graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1950. She was first married to James L. Bender, Jr., who preceded her in death on August 6, 1988. In 1991, she found love again and married Marvin L. “Lefty” Heffner, who also preceded her in death on August 29, 2007.

Mary was employed by Montoursville School District for several years. After receiving her credentials in early childhood education Mary worked as the home-based coordinator for Lycoming/Clinton Head Start program for over 30 years.

Mary and Jim were one of the first families to attend Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Broad Street before moving to its present location on Walnut Street.

Mary was very active in her community. She served as a Eucharistic minister, and was president of the Altar and Rosary Society for many years. Through her service in faith in action she volunteered for Shephard of the Streets, Son Light House, Saving Grace, Family Promise, and St. Anthony’s. Her most favorite activity was visiting nursing homes, where she brought communion and most of all prayed with the clients.

Her involvement in the community revolved around her family and their activities. Mary was the first president of the PTO, swim team, Little League, Pop Warner, and the Booster club, all in Montoursville. Mary was also a member of the Montoursville Welcome Committee and ushered at the CAC.

Mary lived by the values of Family, Faith, and Friends, often reminding those around her that “less said, best said” and that “all days are good—some are just better.”

Mary is survived by seven children, Debra Rowles (Mike), James Bender III (Cindy), Cathy O’Brien (James “OB”), Karen Opp (Philip), Teresa Johnson (Jeff), all of Montoursville, Timothy Bender (MaryAnn) of Buffington, SC, Kelly Childs (James) of Altoona; grandchildren, Jenni, Julie, Molly, Kate, Johaira, Devon, Jordanne, Hannah, Patrick, and James; great-grandchildren, Julianna, Caroline, Libby, Ezra, Dillon, Malin, Mason, Nevaeh, Lyric, Cash, Sunny, Cadence, and Lyra; a sister, Gloria Whitman of Hummelstown; brother, Donald Graff of Buffalo, NY; and many nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William Graff and John “Jack” Graff; sister, Kathleen Graff; infant son, S. John Bender; grandson, James Bender IV; and two husbands, James Bender, Jr., and Marvin Heffner.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 23rd at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 326 Washington Blvd., Williamsport. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, beside her first husband James “Sonny” Bender will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s name may be made to Son Light House, 130 Carpenter Street, Muncy PA 17756 or Family Promise, 635 Hepburn Street, Williamsport PA 17701.

Online condolences may be made on Mary’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com

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