It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Megan Rae Bender announce her untimely passing on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 37 years of age. Megan was born and raised in Bridgeton, New Jersey, and was a graduate of Cumberland Regional High School, class of 2006. She was a deeply spiritual person who found comfort through reading her bible, the beauty of nature, writing/journaling, photography, decorating her apartment, phone calls with loved ones, and being in the company of her beloved cat Luna, whom she rescued off of the street.

Megan did not have much to give, but she was rich in generosity and love; always sending a small gift or thoughtful hand written card or letter each holiday, birthday, special occasion, or for no specific reason at all. It would be remiss not to mention the many physical and mental health ailments that plagued Megan throughout her life. She fought these battles courageously, and it was never her intention to hurt or harm anyone when trying to cope with her pain. In keeping with Megan's loving and generous spirit, even in death, she chose to donate her organs through Sharing Hope.

Her final act of selflessness allowed others the opportunity to continue to experience the gift of life.

Megan was predeceased by her grandparents, Paul and Elizabeth Bowen and Raymond Bierbrunner, and survived by her loving parents, Frank Bender (Diana) and Judith Trykowski (Joseph); grandparents, Patricia Bierbrunner (Raymond) and Frank Bender Sr (Betty); beloved and cherished son, Bryan Peterson; faithful fiancé Jesse Blevins; sisters, Courtney Aucello (TJ) and Abigail Bender, with whom she shared an inseparable bond, that even death could not break; adored niece Kaleigh Aucello. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Megan, may God grant you eternal rest. The peace that eluded you in this life, may you find in the next. We will miss you terribly until we are reunited again, but until then, you will live on in our hearts, minds, and perhaps most importantly, through others. "As a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, so the spirit is transformed."

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions in Megan's memory be made to Sharing Hope South Carolina; https://sharinghopesc.org/make-a-gift/