Barbara M. Banks

Barbara M. (Simmington) Banks of Manchester, loving wife of the late Lester W. Banks, passed away at her home with her family at her side, Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Barbara was born in Athol, Mass. on March 2, 1922 to William and Jennie (Sutherland) Simmington. She graduated from Athol High School Class of 1940 where she lettered in the band playing the trumpet. She resided in Pompano Beach, Florida for 12 years before moving to Manchester in 1968 and retired as an office clerk from the former First National Stores. She was a longtime member of South United Methodist Church. Barbara is survived by two sons, Dennis L. Banks and his wife, Linda C. Banks of South Windsor and Brian Banks and his wife, Linda Banks of Glastonbury, three grandchildren, Monica Banks, Lindsay MacDonald and her husband, William and Kaitlyn Beaudoin and her husband, Jason ; two great-grandchildren, Kenna and Travis MacDonald. She is also survived by her grandchildren's mother, Rita Banks of Glastonbury, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends. Her closest friends were from childhood, Estelle Anderson of South Hadley, Mass., Irene Hawley of Athol, Mass., and Elaine Williams of Athol, Mass. (predeceased). Barbara was predeceased by her brother William Simmington, Jr of Royalston, Mass. She enjoyed dancing, especially the waltz and fox trot. Some of her fondest memories were the winters she and her husband spent in Davenport, Florida where they met and enjoyed the company of some very special friends for many years. The family would like to thank the visiting and hospice nurses that attended to her needs and a very special thank you to Lavera Overton, her live-in caretaker, who treated Barbara like her own family member. Funeral services will be Friday, May 16, at 11 am at South United Methodist Church 1226 Main Street Manchester with burial to follow in East Cemetery in Manchester. A visiting hour will be Friday, from 10 am to 11 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., Hartford, CT. 06112-1269. Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester is in care of arrangements. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Visitation DetailsFriday, May 16th, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am, South United Methodist Church
Service DetailsFriday, May 16th, 2014 11:00am, South United Methodist Church
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery