BENDER: Barbara Ann (Ermel)
Posted By On January 15, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 25 Comments
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother in-law, and cherished wife Barbara. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, yet her love and spirit will remain with us always.
Barbara touched many lives throughout her life with her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Barbara was born April 15, 1943 in Hanover, Ontario, and relocated to Wingham after her marriage to David. During her 34 years in Wingham, she worked at the Jack Alexander Auction House and later at the Wingham Town Hall, where she enjoyed meeting people and being part of the community. She formed many meaningful connections along the way. In 1999, after retiring, Barbara and David moved to Goderich.
A talented artist, she found joy in oil painting, knitting, and playing the piano. Barbara was also actively involved in Wingham’s Little Theatre and took to acting in several performances over the years. Known for her humour, warmth, and caring nature, she had a way of making people feel seen and appreciated.
Barbara’s generosity extended far beyond her talents-she devoted her time to volunteering and gifted countless hand-knit blankets to friends, charities, and hospitals. Warm, loving, strong-willed, and compassionate, she always had time for others and left a lasting impact on everyone. Barbara had a passion for antiques and spent many happy hours searching for special treasures. Each piece she collected told a story, and she loved sharing where she found them and why they mattered to her.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband David; daughters Sarah Bender (Bill Kuik) and Jennifer Haig (Dean); grandchildren Madeline (Kuik) Teves and Claudia Kuik; grandson in-law Jonathon Teves; great-granddaughter Mila Teves; the extended Bender family, and her beloved little poodle, Sofi.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at East Street Cider Co, Goderich, Ontario from 1-4pm, address 130 East St, Goderich, ON N7A 1N4. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering her vibrant spirit,sharing stories,and honouring the joy she brought to all.
Donations can be made to The Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer care of London Health Sciences Centre Foundation (https://lhsf.ca)
Condolences for the family of “BENDER: Barbara Ann (Ermel)”
My condolences to the Bender Family on Barbara’s passing. Sincerely, Anita Frayne
Dear Dave, Sarah and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful wife/mothers passing. I got to know Barb quite well At total fitness in goderich . She would always brighten my day with her stories and laughter.
I am sure you could write a book with so so many great memories and stories . She was a wonderful lady. Cherish your memories and hold them close to your heart to bring you comfort through these difficult days. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Families, please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of Barbara. We are thinking of you.
Dave and Families , my sincere condolences at this time of Barbara’s passing. A beautiful tribute to read of her life and the joy she shared to family and community.
Regards
Brian Wall formerly of Wingham
Dave and family…. Please accept my condolences.. Doug Cameron..Hanover.
Sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a super lady! I enjoyed working with her in the town office in Wingham. She kept things interesting!!
Thinking of you, Dave, Sarah, Jennifer and the whole family, at this difficult time.
Marilyn Robb
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our sincere condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a wonderful woman surrounded by such a loving family. I will snuggle my new pink blanket extra tight tonight in her honour. I’m so thankful for the moments we had, albeit they were very few. Sending my love your families way. May heaven roll out the red carpets for the most charming and stylish woman arriving ❤️
We are very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We hope you find comfort in the memories you shared. Scott and Andrea Stevenson
Dave and family my condolences. Barb was a special person.
To Sara, and family,, my deepest condolences ….
Jenny,
We are saddened to learn of your Mom’s Passing. May She Rest In Eternal Peace.
To David & family.
Sorry for your loss. It really helps when you remember and think of all the good times.
David, Jenny, Sarah, Sofi & families you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time. Barbara was an amazing lady that I cared for deeply. I will miss her. Big hugs to you all!
Growing up in Wingham Barb Bender was my measure of sophistication & creativity. I remember a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She was a very special person.
Dear David, Sarah and Jennifer, Trudy and I send our sincere condolences to you. I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara on a few occasions and always enjoyed her company. Our thoughts are with you.
My condolences go out to the Bender family. Mothers shape their children and grandchildren and live on in their actions, thoughts and memories. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to all but especially to Sarah, Bill, Madeline and Claudia.
Our sympathies to Sarah, Bill and families.She will be greatly missed, but your memories are forever.
Thinking of all of you in this difficult time. I really enjoyed your Mom’s confidence, wit and style. Getting to know her in our book club, she always had an interesting perspective! Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Dave, Sarah, Jenny and families. So very sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Barb growing up in Wingham. She was a lovely lady and will be missed! Condolences to all!❤️
John and I send our condolences on Barbara’s passing. She was an elegant and charming lady whom we knew first through David at the high school, then in Little Theatre in Wingham, at the auction house and in Prue’s real estate. Always a cheerful and helpful person, busy with her many activities. May she rest in peace.
Elaine and John Hopper, Melbourne
Growing up I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the Bender home. Barb always made me feel like one of the family. She will be missed 🥰
Dave, Sarah, Jenny & families….sending you all my deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful woman. I have many fond memories of hanging out at the Bender house before a dance or party and Barb was always popping her head in to make sure all of the girls had everything they needed! Treasure all of your wonderful memories thru the upcoming weeks…
So sorry to learn of your recent loss. Barb was such an indelible part of our family and our years spent growing up in Wingham, as she fully embraced the community spirit of Wingham during those cherished hometown hey-days. From working together at the auction center, to the skating rink, to theater productions, community events and geography school trips, she was always a constant. Many of our age-group referred to her as our second Mom (and Dave as Dad), as she was always so genuinely kind and generous with her spare time to make living in Wingham a rare and special experience for all. For that our family will always carry enumerable fond memories of her and her many contributions to “Our home town, no matter where we go…” (Lyrics from the Wingham Centennial Musical she helped stage.)
Sincerely,
The Currie Family
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Heartfelt and deepest condolences.
Love,
Donna