Irene M. Bendon

IRENE BENDON Irene Bendon of Willcox passed away in Tucson, after a lengthy illness, on January 27, 2016. She was born on February 10, 1934 to Anthony and Laura Ranallo in Cumberland, Wisconsin. She graduated from high school in Minneapolis and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Irene was a divorced, single mother who raised three children, John, Laura, and Nick. There were many hard times, but she managed and raised three great kids. When her children were in high school their home in Tucson was the focal point for their gathering of friends and Irene’s home-made pizza. She retired from the Tucson Unified School District where she worked in the payroll department. And that is where she met her husband Ben. She married Bernard Bendon on November 23, 1991. They lived in Tucson until retiring and then they moved to Willcox. Irene loved her family and got the greatest joy in preparing Italian dishes for them when they visited. Irene was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was a member and Past President of Willcox Emblem Club #367. She also held offices in the Arizona State Association of Emblem Clubs. She was a member of the Lambda Chi Omega, Beta Chapter. She also enjoyed playing bridge with two different groups. She is survived by her husband, Bernard Bendon, daughter Laura Sabia-McGee of Rhode Island, sons John Sabia of Willcox and Nick (Melissa) Sabia of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Sara and Rachel McGee of Rhode Island; Lauren and Ryan Sabia of Atlanta; stepson Dan F. (Angie) Bendon of Texas; brother Salvino “Bud”Ranallo of Minneapolis; sisters Betty Ranallo and Gloria Kelner, both of California; and many nieces and nephews. Predeeding Irene in death were her parents, brother Arthur Ranallo; two sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. She was a great seamstress and enjoyed crocheting, reading, and was an excellent cook and baker. She has an extensive collection of cook books and would enjoy reading them and trying out new recipes. Many times you could find her surrounded by cookbooks, looking for a certain recipe. She and her husband Ben were very devoted to one another. Very seldom did you find Irene or Ben without the other. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or National Kidney Foundation. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. on Monday, February 1, 2016, at Westlawn Chapel with burial in Sunset Cemetery in Willcox, AZ. Funeral services were under the direction of Dan Douglas of Westlawn Funeral Home. You may express condolences at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com

Irene M. Bendon

February 10, 1934 - January 27, 2016