MaryAnne Bender, 63, of Syracuse, passed away early on Monday morning, July 6, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. Born in Syracuse on Saturday, September 15, 1945, she was the daughter of Herbert Arthur Strife and Anne Andrews Strife. After spending her early years in Syracuse, she became top of her class at St. Lucy’s. MaryAnne continued her education to become a registered nurse and later a nurse practitioner. She worked at Jamesville Penitentiary for several years and later worked at Enable where she recently retired. She enjoyed her work where she cared for and looked after the health and well-being of those in the community. MaryAnne was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Anne Strife, and sister, Susan Strife. Surviving are her loving daughter, Elizabeth Anne Strife of Syracuse; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Mary Strife of Clarksville, Tennessee and Paul and Joan Strife of Marcellus; sisters and brothers-in-law, Teri and Michael Carr of Cicero, Kathleen and Philip Finer of Mansfield, Massachusetts and Christine and Mark Seubert of Camillus; 12 nieces and nephews; 18 great-nieces and great-nephews and several cousins. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009 in Pine Plains Cemetery, 8686 Henry Clay Blvd., Clay, with Sister Maura Rhodes officiating. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Enable, 1603 Court St., Syracuse, NY 13208.