Paula Eileen Bender, 69, of Avon, beloved wife of William Bender, died Saturday, September 22, 2018 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. She was born October 21, 1948 in East Hartford, daughter of the late Kasimir and Eileen (Carey) Kowal and had lived in Farmington prior to moving to Avon 15 years ago. Paula was a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Class of 1970, having received her Bachelors Degree in English. Mrs. Bender was the Marketing Director of the New Britain Museum of American Art for many years. She was a member of the Church of Saint Ann in Avon. Paula loved fine art and painting and making jewelry with her friends in beading class. She enjoyed Cape Cod, going to concerts, having picnics, spending time with friends and especially loved her pets.

Paula was predeceased by her brother, James Kowal.

There are no calling hours. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 29th, at the Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gifts of Love, P.O. Box 463, Avon, CT 06001. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Paula's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.