Catherine Margaret “Ren” Bement April 9, 1966 – April 12, 2025

Beloved Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend

Catherine Margaret Bement of Fairport NY, lovingly known as Ren, passed away on April 12th, 2025. Born in Painted Post, NY, and a longtime resident of Avon, NY, Ren lived a life full of purpose, creativity, kindness and lived with unwavering grace.

She was survived by her devoted mother, Mary Goodrow Bement Chest, whom since passed away on April 26, 2025. Ren is survived by her siblings Michele Bement Edwards (Barry), Michael Anthony Bement, Mary Lynne Bement, and Matthew Wayne Bement (Stacy); and her beloved nieces and nephew—Natalie Edwards Kelbanoff (Noah), Delaney Jane Bement (Jack), Sophie Marie Bement, and Nicholas Miles Edwards (Karlie). She was predeceased by her father, Wayne Anthony Bement, and her beloved stepfather, James Chest.

Ren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Service Management. She served as President of the Alpha Sigma Alpha National Sorority during her senior year, and later earned an Associate of Applied Science in Web and Graphic Design from Genesee Community College in 2015, where she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Alpha Iota Upsilon Chapter.

During her college summers, Ren worked on a head boat at a marina in Virginia Beach—an early sign of her adventurous spirit and love of the water. Her career took her to many remarkable places, including Washington, D.C., where she served as Senior Sales Manager at the historic Mayflower Hotel. She later returned to RIT as Associate Director of Alumni Relations, and continued her passion for planning and connection as a marketing and event planner at Monroe Golf Club.

Ren was also the creative force behind Budding Scribe, her handmade paper and design company, where she transformed flowers into beautiful stationery and framed art. Her work reflected her deep love for nature, craftsmanship, and meaningful expression.

A natural leader and connector, Ren was the organizer behind countless class reunions and family events, always bringing people together with warmth and thoughtfulness. She also volunteered countless hours supporting Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, Ren was a proud big sister to Antiea through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and she helped launch a nonprofit organization

called, “Gira Ubunta” mental health services with her dear friend Lorraine—one more example of her lifelong dedication to helping others.

She was the glue in many lives—organizer of family gatherings, class reunions, live music gatherings, and spontaneous acts of kindness and care. A cat lover, a music enthusiast, a gifted web designer, and a loyal friend, Ren’s presence brought comfort and joy to everyone she met. Her intelligence, dedication, and compassion were matched only by her ability to love without condition.

Forever loved. Deeply missed. Always remembered. Love you, Ren. Always Have Always Will.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 for both Catherine Bement and her mother, Mary Chest at Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, 295 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Please drive into the main entrance off Granger Street. Parking available on-site.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Catherine’s memory to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester. 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450. Lollypop.or