Dorothy Lender

It is with great sadness that we share that Dorothy "Dee" Lender (nee Haas) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on February 25, 2023 at the age of 94 years.

Dorothy was born to George and Anna Haas in Newark in 1928. She graduated from Southside High School. Upon high school graduation, she was employed by PSE&G in Newark.

While working at PSE&G as a bill comparer, Dorothy met the love of her life, Raymond Lender, who worked part time delivering the books that she tabulated. They married on March 26, 1949. After they married they had two children, Monica and Raymond, Jr. The family moved to Edison, NJ and Des Plaines, IL before finally settling in Packanack Lake in 1965.

While living in Packanack, Dorothy loved being a mother and a homemaker. She was active in the Packanack Golf Club and bowling league for many years. She was known for her daily morning walks around the lake with her sister. Dorothy could be found on the Packanack Lake or Bethany Beach, DE beach each summer with a book in her hands and sand between her toes.

Dorothy was known for her giving and supportive nature. She volunteered more than 30,000 hours as a "pink lady" at Chilton Hospital over many years. Dorothy also spent many years helping at the Wayne PTO Browse 'n Shop. Additionally, she was known for her dedication to the altar guild at St. Timothy Lutheran Church. After dedicating years as a supportive mother to her own children, Dorothy remained involved in her grandchildren's lives as well. From band grandparent to the sports cheering section, she was always there. She loved baking, from oatmeal cookies, to pies and Irish soda bread, and added love to all that she baked. Dorothy was known to call up after each small or big life event, checking up on how the day went and sharing how proud she was. She also was an avid letter-writer, letting everyone in her life, whether close or far away, know how much she thought of them.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 73 years, Raymond Lender. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Wilma Sonnenschein. She is survived by her children, Monica and William Mains and Raymond and Lisa Lender. She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Elissa and Frank Scillieri, Eric and Christina Mains, Kelly Lender and Ryan LaCanna, and Jeffrey Lender. Dorothy (GiGi) was also blessed with 6 great grandchildren who will miss her dearly: Samantha, Thomas, Jackson, Joseph, Zachary, and Julia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to…

Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131

St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 395 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ  07470