Olivia Bender Fuhrman

Olivia “Obie” Bender Fuhrman died June 1, 2018. She was born in Johnstown, PA, on October 9, 1923. She was the daughter of Anne C. Plunkett and Thomas W. Bender, a local attorney.

The family moved to New Cumberland when she was 14. She graduated from New Cumberland High School and attended Pennsylvania College for Women, in Pittsburgh.

Ms. Bender was employed by the Penna. Railroad and TWA. In 1946 she married Gene Fuhrman, who was training to be an FBI agent. Gene passed away in 1988. Gene was assigned to Jackson, TN, where the first of their ten children, Joan Marie (deceased), was born. In a few years they were assigned to South Chicago, and later moved to Evanston, IL, where they welcomed the birth of their second child, Gene Jr. (Anita). Eight more children followed; Stephen (JoAnn), Dennis (Ann), Rick (Janice), Livvy Fuhrman-King (Russ), Terry (Toni), Tim (Dee), Robert (partner, Cynthia Walter - predeceased by wife, Mary), and Patty Berrigan (Joe). They had 21 grandchildren; Joe and Josh Malaro; Tyler Bolton-Fuhrman; Sarah, Becca and Zac Fuhrman; Sean and Chris Fuhrman, and Joanie Cook; Nick, Brendan and Colin King; Tori McGee; Jackson, Jared and Jordan Fuhrman; Bobby and Nathan Fuhrman, and Kristen Brindza; and Olivia and Ryan Berrigan. Surviving great-grandchildren are Braden, Marcus, Giuliana, Emilia, Hunter, Bryce and Bridger. She is also survived by two sisters, Kay Faraday, Anaheim, CA, and Patty Barilla (Andy), Bel Air, MD. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

Obie was an active member of St. Theresa’s Social Justice Committee for many years, as well as People for Peace. She was a devoted member of her Book Club for 45 years, supported The Food Bank, volunteered for many years with Meals On Wheels, belonged to the New Cumberland Democratic Women’s Club, and worked at the election polls. Her favorite activities revolved around her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, plays and other endeavors.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland. A visitation will be held the evening prior, June 8, from 6-8PM at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland.

The family would like to say a very special “thank you” to mom’s loving, kind and compassionate caregivers. We are especially grateful for Adele Nestor and Jennifer Medina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Olivia’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org/CentralPA/), 600 Corporate Cir, Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

For more information, or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.parthemore.com.