Mary E. Bent

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Bent, nee Amandelora, age 98, of Williamstown, NJ, formerly of Lindenwold, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Legacy

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph John and Mary Emma Amandelora, nee Bradley. She grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, and Bala Cynwyd, PA, alongside her sisters, Gloria Ann and Catherine “Kitty.” Mary graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1945 and Drexel University, BS in 1949, where she majored in Home Economics and minored in Chemistry. After graduation Mary worked as an assistant buyer in Lits Dept. store in Philadelphia, PA.  Then she worked as an underwriting clerk for two years.
Mary met her soon-to-be husband, Tom, on a blind date. Then married and had four children. Together, they built a warm, comfortable, and stable home filled with love, faith, and devotion to family. When her children were young Mary was a parishioner at St Lawrence, Lindenwold, NJ, where she volunteered as the school librarian, as well as volunteering in the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scout Troops.  She subsequently returned to the workforce as a teacher for four years with the Black Horse Pike Regional School District. Then she went to work as a Claims Examiner with the State of NJ and for the Division of Unemployment as an Appeals Examiner for difficult claims.  She worked for the State of NJ for 20 years until her retirement in 1989. 
Mary and Tom enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, square dancing, attending Broadway shows, and vacationing together. Some of their favorite memories were made during summers in Ocean Gate, NJ, crabbing, taking day trips to Ocean City, NJ, enjoying the beach and boardwalk, and visiting Lake George, NY. After retirement, Mary and Tom enjoyed traveling together on bus trips, visiting 31 states throughout the country, spending summers at their trailer in Seaville, and going to the beach in Sea Isle City.
Mary was a reserved but strong role model who lived her life with dignity, faith, and selflessness. As the matriarch of her family, she was a steady and comforting presence, if you weren’t in trouble! She could always be counted on for wise advice and a listening ear, no matter your age. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a warm heart, and a way of keeping everyone on their toes. Like her father, Mary was an organizer, and she was also an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sports games.  
A devout Catholic, Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She was talented and creative, enjoying sewing, calligraphy, learning the Italian language, playing the piano, doing crossword puzzles and spending countless hours reading. Her gentle spirit, love of learning, and unwavering devotion to her family touched all who knew her and will remain a lasting part of her legacy. Although Mary’s passing leaves a tremendous void, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace with Our Beloved Lord, Our Blessed Mother, and her loving husband, Tom.

Family

Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Thomas E. Bent, in 2013, as well as her sisters, Gloria Ann Reilly and Catherine “Kitty” M. Seifrit.
She was the devoted mother of Mary (Joseph) Mangano, Thomas (Lisa) Bent, Joanne (Paul) Monitzer, and Michael (Jody) Bent.  Mary was the loving grandmother of Joseph, Mary Kate, Timothy, Thomas, Kristin, Sarah, Elisabeth, Paul Jr., Angela, Alicia, Michael and Christopher. She was also the loving great-grandmother of 22 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandmother of one. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all Mom’s caregivers, especially Carlene, Nicole, Raven, David and Monique this past year and a half. They provided compassionate, dignified care to our Mom and became an integral part of our family. Thank you to Bayada Hospice Nurse Sierra, RN and Latonya, HHA.      

Services

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation 10:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Our Lady of Peace Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Main Street and Carroll Avenue, Williamstown, NJ 08094, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Inurnment at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John of God Community Services Autism Program, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville Grove, NJ 08093, in memory of Mary E. Bent. Masses in her memory at Our Lady of Peace Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Williamstown, NJ 08094, would be appreciated.

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