Obituary of Helene Henriette Banks

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Helene Banks announce her passing on July 25, 2017 at the age of 77 years. Helene was born December 1, 1939, in Eldred, SK and passed away peacefully on July 25, 2017, in the Shellbrook hospital. She was 77 years old. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Pauline Banks (Edward Kendal)l of Scarborough, ON., Debbie (Tim) Sinnett of Sun Dale, SK and their children: Caitlin, Danny (Jessica), and Kellsey, Sharon Knodel (Don Embry) of Yorkton, SK and Sharon’s children: Stephen, Michael (Amber) and Kristy-Leigh (AJ), Kelvin Banks (Patricia O’Neil Banks) of Edmonton, AB and son Ben (Jaime), Brent Banks of Saskatoon, SK and his children: Brennen and Breana (Randy), Leanne Banks (Nolan Fleck) of Humboldt, SK and their children: Robert, David, Sarah and Nikolas, Her great grandchildren: Kathleen, Kienan, Deklan, Athina, Jaxson, Martin, Kaydon, Layla and Hudson; Her sisters: Rose Dumais of Debden; Marguerite (Joe) Beaulac of Port Alberni; Lucie Grise of Saskatoon; Louise (Norman)Poirier of Debden, and Rachelle (Jacques) Paquette of Red Deer. Her brothers-in-law: Don (Sharon) Banks, Dale (Louise) Banks and sister in law Doreen McGregor as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She is predeceased by: Her husband, Hugh Banks, Her granddaughter, Shauna Marie Dumais, Her parents, Henri and Alice Frenette, Her siblings, George, Robert, Roger, Jules, Phillippe and Jean Frenette, Her brothers-in-law, Jean Dumais and Rene Grise. Helene had a reputation as a fantastic hostess. She would always throw together an amazing meal out of almost nothing. If you were lucky enough to arrive when the doughnuts were just made, smelled the cinnamon buns wafting down the driveway, see the blueberry, apple and raisin pies lined up on the counter, you knew you were in for a treat. Everyone knew that Helene’s door was always open and the coffee was on if you just needed someone to talk to. For Helene her family were always at the center of her life. She was always there for her kids no matter what they needed, how they hurt, the celebrations, or when deciding to take that next scary step in life. She adored her grandchildren and they adored her right back. Gramma’s house was always a warm haven where you could bring your friends and know you would feel special. They learned quickly where to find the treats and the deck of cards for the inevitable 50 cent rummy game. It was a high honour to get your name in the winner’s book. As Helene and Hugh aged the decision was made to move into Debden. This began an exciting new era for Helene. She truly loved living so close to her sister Rose. She took the opportunity to travel and visited both the West and East Coasts of Canada. 0ne of the most memorable events for Helene was discovering that the spearhead she found in her garden over 40 years ago was over 8000 years old and a very rare find for the area. She was so proud of the letter received and her garden being identified as the “Banks site” for future archeological digs. As her health changed we were so thankful that she had the opportunity to move into the Debden Heritage Manor where the staff were always kind and caring. We are so grateful to Auntie Rose and Uncle Norman for always being there for her and the staff in the Shellbrook hospital for their excellent care. Memorial Service was held on Friday, July 28, 2017, at 1:30 pm. from the St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church, Debden, SK with Father Millan Sajonas officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Debden Heritage Manor. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Marianne Turcotte & Samantha Cheal, Funeral Directors, Shellbrook (306-747-2828).