Obituary of Jayne P. Bender

Jayne P. Bender (Unick)79, of Hopatcong passed away peacefully on Friday November 7, 2025 at Newton Medical Center.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 8, 1946 to the late John and the late Ruth (Brown) Bender, she has resided in Hopatcong for over 40 years. Jayne earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Edinboro College then pursued and earned her Masters in Education. She was a teacher in rural Pennsylvania for 2 years prior to teaching in Rockaway Township, NJ for 38 years. Jayne loved being a teacher. She has been recognized twice by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She has touched thousands of lives as a teacher, Aunt, cousin, sister, friend, Mom, and Grandma. She was generous and always had a gift ready. A warm hello with a hug and a smile.

Jayne loved travel. Experiencing over half the US and most of western Europe. She had an enormous witch collection and Halloween was her favorite holiday. If you’ve heard her witch laugh, you know. She was a passionate supporter of her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and also enjoyed watching old movies and shopping.  Jayne was a parishioner of St. Jude Church in Hopatcong and a member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

Survivors include her devoted son; Walter Michael (Mike) Unick Jr. The light of her life Grandson Vladys Unick, Sister Janet Jacoby and Uncle Leo, Brothers James Bender and partner Christine Weber, Jeff Bender his wife Aunt Dee, and sister-in-law Sue Neiding. Her nieces and nephews Jay, Jen, Cullen, Dana, Justin, Brandon, Jacqueline, Michelle, Jimmy, Joyana, Tobias, Caitlyn, and Patrick.

Also surviving are Her ex-daughter in law Jennifer Lynn Unick. Many cousins, friends and family scattered across the country.

Jayne was predeceased by Brothers John R Bender Jr, wife Cookie and Jerry Bender Wife Francine. Sister-in-law Arlene. Nieces Shannon, Lilly, Nephew Blake and also her partner in crime Daniel Wiegand.

Jayne’s Life Celebration will include visiting on Sunday November 16 from 1:00-5:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ.  A funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, November 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Jude RC Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, NJ.  Family and friends may gather at the funeral home at 9:00 AM Monday morning. Jayne will be laid to rest, immediately following the conclusion of Mass, at Locust Hill Cemetery, Dover, NJ.