Lovern Mae Roxby Bender

Lovern Mae (Roxby) Bender, age 79, died on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in Salisbury, North Carolina. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to John Henry and Agnes (Kutz) Roxby and was the younger of two daughters. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Shirley. Lovern was known for her strength, wisdom, and wit. As a young divorcee, she successfully navigated the struggles of daily life. At a time when it was nearly impossible for a young, single mother to rent an apartment or even acquire a personal telephone, she was able to raise two children and find success in bank management. A staunch, life-long democrat, Lovern was committed to the needs of the less fortunate and underserved in her community. She dedicated her time to socially progressive causes, including LGBTQ rights and gender equality, addiction and mental health awareness, homelessness, special education, and racism, among many others. She enjoyed seeing the progress that women made during her lifetime as they came closer and closer to breaking the ultimate glass ceiling. At election time, she even knocked on doors to encourage people to vote. In addition to the causes that she championed, Lovern was an animal lover. She was also proud of her Russian heritage and loved sharing this culture through her cooking. She was an avid crafter. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, basket weaving, rug making, and quilting. She was a selfless teacher, regularly sharing her crafting skills with her community at the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center. When she wasn’t playing pinochle or socializing with friends, she enjoyed spending time at the family summer home in Oak Island, North Carolina. Lovern is survived by her yorkie and best girlfriend, Bitzie; her daughter Lisa (Gorman) Bogdon and David Bogdon of Salisbury, North Carolina; son John Gorman, his girlfriend Lahni Russell, and Lahni’s daughter Kasey Kirk of West Milford, New Jersey; grandson Rory Bogdon and his wife Julie McGeorge of Baltimore, Maryland; grandson Travis Bogdon of Richmond, Virginia; and granddaughter Nadine Bogdon and her boyfriend Ryan Dunn, of Salisbury, North Carolina. The family requests that any donations be made to the Special Education Department at Carol T. Overton Elementary School, 1825 Park Road, W, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Bender family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.