Jeannette McDaniel of Stratford, Connecticut peacefully passed away on February 15th 2021. Jeannette was the second youngest daughter of the late Calvin Bender, Jr. and Essie Chapman Bender born on May 20th, 1924 in the town of Moselle, Mississippi. Jeannette attended school in Mississippi at the Piney Woods Country Life School and graduated from Benson Vocational High School in 1945. She went on to attend college at Alcorn State University. In 1950 Jeannette earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Alcorn and a lifetime teaching certificate from the state of Mississippi to teach in secondary schools. During the 1950s Jeannette moved to Connecticut to join and work with her older sister, the late Flossie Bender Walker. Jeannette and Flossie worked for the Richardson family of Southport, Connecticut. It was here that she met the love of her life, the late James H. McDaniel. James and Jeannette were married in October 1958 and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut. James passed away in 1988. Jeannette continued to work for the Richardsons until she retired and in 2004 after several years of living on her own, Jeannette moved to Stratford, Connecticut to live with family. Jeannette was a long-time member of the Messiah Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut, she attended services at the church until her health no longer permitted it. Jeannette was creative, she had an ability to see and bring beauty into everyday life. She was never idle, she loved coming up with new quilting, needlepoint, sewing, or weaving projects, and she loved to work outdoors in her gardens. James and Jeannette did not have children of their own, but anyone that knew Jeannette knew that she was dedicated to her family. She loved spending time with family. She loved to cook and plan for family gatherings like family reunions. Jeannette doted on her many nieces and nephews, god children, and her extended family - the Richardsons whom she loved as much as her Bender family. She was thrilled as the family grew to include great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. Jeannette set an example for all of us in how to truly live a good life. Sundays were spent going to church and visiting family and friends. When a family member was ill, Jeannette could always be counted on to offer comfort. She expressed her love in both her words and deeds. Jeannette was predeceased by her husband James McDaniel, and eight brothers and sisters: Lorean Dennis, Flossie Walker, Lawrence C. Bender, Singleton Bender, Willie Bender, Alma Eaton, Marina Eaton, and Alice Ruth Bender. She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, their children, their children’s children, and more. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.