By the Family
Jun. 21, 2017: Carol Scott Bender, a longtime resident of Bronxville, passed away on June 15, 2017. She was the beloved wife of William Hayes Bender III, who predeceased her in 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Didi Bender Romley (Frederick), stepsons, Dean Bender (Barbara) and William Bender IV (Carol), and grandchildren, William Bender V, Bryant Bender, Nicolette Romley, and Hayes Romley. She is also survived by her sister, Justine Scott Wheeler, nephew, Scott Wheeler, and niece, Karen Wheeler.
Carol was born in Chicago on March 26, 1933, to the late Homer Scott and the late Dorothy (McNeil) Scott. Carol was raised in Chicago and attended Ferry Hall School (now Lake Forest Academy). She attended Middlebury College and graduated from Northwestern University with a BS degree in history and art.
Following college, Carol began her modeling career. She moved to Paris for three years to be the house model for House of Balmain. Returning to Chicago, Carol modeled for fashion houses and iconic retailers such as Marshall Field. In 1958, Carol opened a flower shop in Chicago, Italian Court Flower Shop, which remains in operation today under different owners.
It was during this time that Carol Scott met William Bender III, an advertising executive in Chicago. On August 3, 1962, Carol married her sweetheart, Bill, in a small ceremony at the home of her parents, Dorothy and Homer Scott, on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.
In 1964, the couple moved to Manhattan's West Side, where Bill continued in advertising. The Benders moved to Bronxville in 1966, where their daughter, Didi, was born in 1967.
In 1970, Carol began her real estate career at E.H. Bowman at 24 Park Place in Bronxville. She eventually moved to Lawrence Management at 4 Valley Road which became Houlihan Lawrence after merging with Houlihan Reality. Carol spent 46 years in her real estate career and was frequently awarded for having the most transactions in the Bronxville office. Additionally, Carol was a longtime active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and many local community groups.
Carol was a bright light and touched many lives. She was a consummate professional, always with a smile for everyone and a pure delight.
Memorial services will be held at Christ Church, 17 Sagamore Road, in Bronxville on Friday, June 23, at 3:00 pm. All are invited to a reception at the church immediately following the services. As a reflection of Carol's colorful presence, the family is suggesting colorful attire.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church at https://www.ccbny.org/ or to Gramatan Village at http://gramatanvillage.org/.