Sister Carol Bender, IHM, (formerly Sister Mary Ada) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, October 4, 2001 at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Born on August 25, 1932 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and given the name Carol Louise, she was the daughter of the late John and Loraine Matthies Bender. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 7, 1950, made temporary profession of her vows on August 2, 1953 and final profession of her vows on August 2, 1956.

Sister Carol served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Mary Elementary School in Avoca, PA, from 1953 to 1957; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1957 to 1960; Pocono Central Catholic High School in Cresco, PA, from 1966 to 1977; Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsport, PA, from 1977 to 1979 and 1990 to 1991; as well as at schools located in Baltimore, MD and Brooklyn, NY.

Sister Carol also served as a core member at Our Lady of the Lake Spiritual Renewal Center in Verona, NJ, from 1979 to 1983; director of religious education at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Vestal, NY, from 1983 to 1986; pastoral minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Paris in Mountoursville, PA, from 1986 to 1990; director of pastoral care at Divine Providence Hospital in Williamsport, PA, from 1991 to 1995; pastoral care at Leader Nursing Home in Williamsport, PA, from 1995 to 1996; and chaplain at Manor Care Nursing Homes in Jersey Shore and Williamsport, PA, from 1996 to 2000.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, a Master of Science degree in education, and a Master of Science degree in religious studies, all from Marywood College. She was a member of the Catholic Chaplains of Pennsylvania, the Association of Christian Therapists, the Pennsylvania Association of Chaplains and the Jersey Shore Ministerium, for which she also served as secretary.

She is survived by two sisters, Margie Stevens of Orefield, PA, and Sue Walters of Hendersonville, NC; a brother, John C. of Hudson, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Tuesday, October 9 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Friends may call at the Marian Convent on Monday after 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.