ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Christl Bender, 87, born on November 27, 1927, passing away on May 16, 2015. We remember her with kindness, care, warmth and love toward who she is as an individuality and what she sought to bring into this world!

May 24, 2015
May 24, 2015
She was a truly lovely godmother, faithful, kind, interested and caring, astute in her questioning, encouraging and non-judgemental in her communication towards me. She had asked me several times to make time to travel to Greece with her, but with life so full, I never managed to make the time and I am deeply sorry about that. I am sure a journey to Greece with Christl would have been quite an experience and most enlightening and also, a lot of fun!
When I think of her, I always close my eyes and smile and send her my love and deepest gratitude for being such a wonderful godmother.
May 21, 2015
May 21, 2015
Christl was our first housemother in Beaver Run. We were so new to Camphill life, but every day, no matter how trying it had been the day before, she would wake up to greet life anew, as if all the difficulties of the preceding day had been transformed into spirit power. To experience this capacity for transforming life was a great gift for all who lived with her. Sharon Ballah.
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
My friend, Christl,
I will miss you. Forever in my heart.
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
Dear Christl, From mentor to lifelong friend, I am so grateful for all that we shared and explored. You really had the presence of mind and sense for fun I shall be striving for the rest of my life. With love and gratitude, may you fare well.
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Dear All!

Today was Christl's Funeral Service, held in Whitsun Hall. Many people attended, and I know many people were there in spirit, or with their hearts. Nora Minassian held the Service and she wonderfully painted the arc of Christl's life for us. Christl knew what kind of music she wanted, and how she wanted things to be. Her (beautiful!) coffin left Whitsun Hall to the Bell Song from the St. John's Play - so very fitting: "...we are restored to dignity, are words in the mouth of God..." (I believe this was the only piece of music chosen by someone other than Christl). 
The early morning was full of fog, dampness and gentle rain, clearing up in the course of the morning. We had an opportunity to be with friends, parents, coworkers and companions from further away and hear some of their stories relating to Christl after a light lunch. The Roseroom was filled with flowers, social encounter, photos from Christl's life before Camphill and some singing... A worthy send-off!  Thank you all!
May 19, 2015
May 19, 2015
Dear Christl was a shining light during Megan's time at Soltane. Christl's loving spirit was a source of comfort and confidence. I am thankful to have known her. Rest in peace, Christl.
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
Dear All, welcome!

I just learned that in order to contribute, you have to register. This is to avoid spam etc. 

Please, feel warmly invited to share some photos, memoreis and stories!

Thank you, Sabine
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
Christl was a courageous, fearless person, starting quite early. It is probably a well known story, and remains for me a significant memory of Christl. It is her account of herself at age 16, alone, leaving the area where she lived in Germany. She was carrying a knapsack with a few belongings but did not have an exit permit, and had to pass through a heavily manned checkpoint. She simply walked in the middle of the road, without looking left or right, straight through, and was not stopped. I imagine that her boldness and lack of fear had made her invisible! A true Michaelite for sure.
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
Christel was my tutor for 3 years while I was doing seminar from 1980-83. I haven't had the opportunity to see her since then, but I always remember her as a wise and humble lady, but above all, as a good friend.
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
Christine-

Our residents at Manatawny Manor will miss you dearly. I find myself humming the tune "this old man" a lot lately.  Lol. Our residents loved filling I the verses.

You were able to connect beautifully with our seniors. I admired your strong sense of caring. You were a kind, curious, and witty lady.

Wednesday's at Horizons Neighborhood will never be the same. 

"1:1 with Christine."

Rest in Peace and keep entertaining your many, many friends on the other side.   

Warmly,  Dena Neff
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
I feel very privileged. I have laid eyes on Christl for the last 15 years, but nothing has been as powerful - and beautiful - as seeing her these last three days! She is looking so noble, so pure and so radiant. It feels wrong to take a photo of her - but I want you to know that her being is truly radiant in this time. I also remember Christl saying - at hand of the death of a dear friend - that what matters is to "remember their essence" and not necessarily events. I believe Christl is more beautiful than I have ever seen her and that she is really pleased to be on this journey she has prepared for so very well! Much love to you, Christl!
May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015
my mom lingered in hospice for months. we never knew when she'd expire. then christl came to me one morning in 2002 and said,"let's go see your mother today.".  we went together with anna and adam, 2 companions at soltane. when we arrived at the hospice center christl approached my dying mom and held my mom's left foot, and prayed the 'our father' with me. then we drove back to soltane in quiet and in inner peace. later that day, my mom died. of all the saintly interventions this remarkable, singular woman made for me, this one touched me most exquisitely. now may God bring to her a thousand times what christl brought to me...how did christl know that was the day ? did she know that was the day ? I dunno. I do know christl brought peace, wherever she went. godspeed, christl bender. for me you were a servant of god.

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Recent Tributes
May 24, 2015
May 24, 2015
She was a truly lovely godmother, faithful, kind, interested and caring, astute in her questioning, encouraging and non-judgemental in her communication towards me. She had asked me several times to make time to travel to Greece with her, but with life so full, I never managed to make the time and I am deeply sorry about that. I am sure a journey to Greece with Christl would have been quite an experience and most enlightening and also, a lot of fun!
When I think of her, I always close my eyes and smile and send her my love and deepest gratitude for being such a wonderful godmother.
May 21, 2015
May 21, 2015
Christl was our first housemother in Beaver Run. We were so new to Camphill life, but every day, no matter how trying it had been the day before, she would wake up to greet life anew, as if all the difficulties of the preceding day had been transformed into spirit power. To experience this capacity for transforming life was a great gift for all who lived with her. Sharon Ballah.
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
My friend, Christl,
I will miss you. Forever in my heart.
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