Sue A. Hojnacki (also known as Sue Bender), 55, of Toledo passed away Monday, April 30, 2012 at Ebeid Hospice of PromMedica Flower Hospital. She was born on August 17, 1956 in Toledo, Ohio. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Bender of Williamstown, MA and Heather Bender of Banner Elk, NC; sister Paula (Steve) Bensman of Castle Rock, CO; mother June VanGunten of Maumee, OH; husband Denis Hojnacki, and stepson Seth Hojnacki, both of Toledo, OH. Sue also has numerous nieces and newphews, including Melissa White Bensman of Toledo, OH; Valerie Bensman of Spruce, MI; Brian Bender of Sarver, PA; Eric Bensman, Caitlin Bensman, and Mikayla Bensman of Castle Rock, CO. Cousins include Mary "Cookie" Clark of Redford, MI; Carol Hanley of Oregon, OH; Dale Williams of North Highlands, CA; Terry (Leigh) Vogelsong of Novi, MI; Robin (Bill) Ward of Livonia, MI; and James VanGunten of Orlando, FL. Second cousins are Angela (Frank) Carpenter of Toledo, OH; Lauren (Chris) McKay of Sterling Heights, MI; Erica Hanley of Marion, OH; Justin Clark of Redford, MI; and Katherine Williams of Elk Grove, CA. She is preceded in death by her father Paul VanGunten and infant son Paul Vernon Bender. Sue's passion was embroidery and she owned and operated Canal Towne Needleworks in Grand Rapids, OH from 1992-2000. Sue was a longtime member of the Embroidery Guild of America. She was also a member of the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo where she served in many capacities: President, Education Chair, Co-Chairman of the Great Lakes Region Seminar in 1998, and many other offices. Through the Guild she met many close friends who cherish her memory. Sue was a Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader and a trainer with La Leche League. Sue lived in Grand Rapids, OH for eleven years and was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and coordinated volunteer efforts for a variety of church outreach programs. Sue was also an extremely gifted cross-stitcher and quilter and was happiest with a needle in her hands. She was commissioned for projects by various organizations and won several awards for her artwork. Sue was one of the original members of a stitching group that has been meeting once a week for 15 years to share projects, stitch, and visit. Sue's most recent passion was knitting socks with the ladies from Yarn Cravin. She also worked as an Event Specialist for Crossmark and enjoyed her time there and the special friendships she made. She was an avid reader, a love which she passed on to her daughters. She also enjoyed planting flowers (but not pulling weeds). Sue enjoyed country music and was an animal lover and had many pets in her lifetime. Sue traveled whenever possible and grew up camping frequently with her parents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and continued the tradition with her own family. She had a special fondness of lighthouses and would travel to see as many as she could. She had once said that Lake Superior and Grand Marais were her favorite places in the world. Most of all, Sue relished every moment she spent with family and friends. Calling hours will take place at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, OH on Monday, May 7 from 2-4p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 5 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Hosanna Lutheran Church. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Sue Ann Hojnacki (VanGunten), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Monday, May 7th, 2012 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Hosanna Lutheran Church 23019 Kellogg Road Grand Rapids, OH 43522 Service Information Monday, May 7th, 2012 5:00pm, Hosanna Lutheran Church 23019 Kellogg Road Grand Rapids, OH 43522