Obituary of Marilyn Banke

Marilyn A. Banke of Vestal Marilyn A. Banke, 81, of Vestal, N.Y., passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, in the presence of her family at Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, N.Y. Born on January 11, 1927 in Union City, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Louis and Grace (Barringer) Leyh. Marilyn was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Vestal, N.Y., where she was an active participant in the Altar Rosary Society, the choir, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, adult education, Thou Shalt Knot sleeping bags, Birthright, and many other volunteer activities. She is predeceased by her brother, Rev. Louis Leyh. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, George W. Banke; her children, Barbara (Keven) Smith, Candor, N.Y., George William (Renata) Banke, Jr., Essex Junction, Vt., Brian Banke, New York, N.Y., Richard (Myra) Banke, Houston, Tex., Christine Banke, Skaneateles, N.Y., and Douglas (LeAnne) Banke, Chittenango, N.Y.; brother, Richard (Patricia) Leyh; sister, Gloria (Harold) Buckley; grandchildren, Thomas (Christa) Smith, David (Rachel) Smith, Kelly Ann Smith, and Meghan Banke; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Olivia, Matthew, Margaret, and a newborn baby girl. Marilyn will be remembered for her loving compassion, love of life, enthusiasm for swimming and her spirit of adventure to try new things. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff of the 3 Ross wing of Lourdes Hospital. Visiting hours will be Sunday, November 23rd, from 3-5 p.m. at Coleman & Daniels, 765 Main St., Vestal, N.Y. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday, November 24th, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 157 Clark St., Vestal, N.Y. Internment will be at Calvary-St. Patrick's Cemetery, Johnson City, N.Y.