Obituary of Ferne Bendel

Ferne Bendel, nee Bramhall, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 4, 2020 at age 96.  She was born in The Bronx, where she attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary and High Schools. She went on to graduate from NYU where she was President of the Day Student Body and Captain of the Swimming and Diving Team.  She was a very successful competitive swimmer and diver for a number of years and met the love of her life, Charlie, at a pool in Astoria, Queens.  He swam in the Aquashow and was a deep sea diver, so they were both drawn to the water.  When the property in Twin Lakes Village in South Salem first came on the market, they were the first to buy on the lake so they could share their love of the water.  Until the day she died she enjoyed the beauty and tranquility the lake provided. Another of her interests was that she was an avid reader, often reading a book in a day.  She delighted in her trips to the library where she found a connection to the town and all her friends.

Ferne was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and daughter, Shannon, but is survived by her daughter, Alice and son, Bill, sons-in-law David Robinette and Don Campbell, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who were the focus of her life in her later years.

Ferne will be buried at South Salem Cemetery on Thursday, September 10, 2020 with a graveside service.  A Mass and Memorial Service will be scheduled sometime after the Covid crisis is over.  If anyone would like to make a donation in her memory, please support the Lewisboro Library where she received so much enjoyment.