Obituary of Judy Bender

Judy Resnick Bender died peacefully in hospice care on October 19, 2025, with her husband by her side. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; her children and their spouses, Sarah & Ryan Hall and Scott Bender & Rachel Mehlsak; her grandchildren Jacob, Ian, and Noa; and her sister and brother-in-law, Rene and Marshall Gratz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Rose Resnick.

Judy grew up in Shorewood, Wisconsin, and attended college and graduate school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She met her husband, Bruce in graduate school; they dated for two years and were married in June 1977. The next year, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where Bruce completed a post-doctoral fellowship. Judy loved Colorado, including the people, mountains, and weather, and together they decided to stay permanently.

Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend known for her kind helpfulness and sense of humor. She was very proud of her Jewish heritage. She was a voracious reader and loyal friend who loved serving delicious meals to family and friends.

Judy believed deeply that compassion for the underdog is the responsibility of all of us, as well as our government. She loved children. After graduate school, she worked as a school psychologist in three school districts, one in Madison and two in the Denver area. She held a special place in her heart for children with developmental, educational, and emotional challenges. She also delighted in being a mother and grandmother. She found great joy in her three grandchildren and looked forward to every visit with them.

Donations in memory of Judy are encouraged to be sent to National Jewish Health in Denver.