Erin Elizabeth Bender's Obituary
Erin Elizabeth Bender, 43, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026 after a courageous 27-month battle with glioblastoma. Born on February 20, 1983, Erin lived a life marked by love, resilience, compassion and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, patients and community.
A proud graduate of Strongsville High School, Erin went on to attend Marietta College, where she played collegiate soccer and formed lifelong friendships. Her love for the game remained a constant throughout her life and reflected the determination, teamwork and spirit she carried into everything she did.
Erin later earned her Physician Assistant degree from Nova Southeastern University. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others, working throughout her career at both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. As a healthcare provider, Erin touched countless lives through her compassion, expertise and genuine care for her patients and colleagues.
Above all, Erin was a devoted wife and mother. She shared a loving marriage with her husband Derek Bender and found her greatest joy in raising their children Alek and Brooke. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines at their football and cheerleading events and she treasured every family gathering and everyday moment spent with those she loved most. Erin’s family was always at the center of her world.
Erin also cherished time spent at Seneca Lake, where she created countless memories with family and friends. Whether enjoying sunny days on the water, relaxing at the lake or gathering with loved ones, Seneca Lake was one of her favorite places and a source of joy, peace and connection throughout her life.
Throughout her battle with glioblastoma, Erin demonstrated extraordinary courage, grace and strength. Even in the face of immense challenges, she continued to inspire those around her with her optimism, perseverance and love.
Erin is survived by her beloved husband Derek Bender; her children Alek and Brooke Bender; her parents Dan and Suzette Chabe; her brother Brett Chabe; her mother-in-law Deanna Einheit-Bender; her father-in-law John Bender and his wife Sally; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janelle and Jeff Ziegler; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nikki and Justin Bender and their children Danielle and Caleb; her lifelong friends Jessica Nofsinger and Angela Marmet; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues and patients whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
Erin was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Madaline and Bud Semones and her paternal grandparents Jan and Alexander Chabe.
Erin’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the patients she cared for, the friendships she cherished and most importantly the family she loved so deeply. She will be profoundly missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd from 3 to 7 PM at Jardine Funeral Home; 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 4th at 10 AM at Saint John Neumann; 16271 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Erin will be laid to rest at Strongsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erin’s memory at a later time to the children’s college fund. A GoFundMe will be set up soon.
What’s your fondest memory of Erin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Erin?
Share a story where Erin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Erin you’ll never forget.
How did Erin make you smile?
