Obituary of Winnifred "Eileen" BANKS (nee Toole)

July 30, 1929 – Weyburn, Saskatchewan 
November 5, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Eileen Banks, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the age of 91 years. 

Eileen was born July 30, 1929 in Weyburn, SK, to parents, Allison and Ozella Toole. The family would be complete with Gordon, Griff, Grace, Eileen and Shirley following soon after. Eileen received a degree in Home Economics from the University of Saskatchewan. This is where Eileen met the love of her life, Gerald (Gerry) Emerson Banks. They were married June 14, 1949, in Saskatoon, SK, at Westminster United Church. Saskatoon is where Eileen and Gerry started their family, Connie, Bruce, Allyson and Bill. 

In 1973, they moved to Calgary, AB. Eileen continued sewing for her company, Eileen’s Draperies, without her mother Ozella at her side. Soon after, Connie moved to Calgary with her family. Connie stepped up and helped with sewing the drapes in the evenings. Eileen never had to advertise for her business, all of the satisfied customers did this for her.

Eileen and Gerry loved taking their family on camping trips. Eileen, the kids, Shirley and her husband Gordon Hill enjoyed a few holidays in Hawaii. Eileen made several other trips with family and friends back to Hawaii, Mexico, Las Vegas, the Bahamas and Europe. She absolutely loved to travel. 

Eileen enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, reading, doing puzzles, and of course watching sports.  Hockey, football - “Go Riders”, curling, figure skating, golf and tennis were amoung her favourites. Many times Eileen could be heard from the other room yelling at the referee on the TV when what she thought was a bad call being made or if her team was being penalized.  Eileen would never admit to the jumping up and down and yelling at the TV. She would often comment “No I Didn’t...” . After saying her piece Eileen would then sit back down and resume snacking on the cheese, crackers and oysters, pretending nothing had happened. Eileen’s weaknesses were peppermints, ice cream, chocolates and happy hour.

Eileen’s greatest achievement was raising her family. Eileen's name soon changed to Grandma and then GG. Much of the family adopted the name GG because it suited her, and she thought so too. Through the years, as the kids got older and the families grew, GG continued to have an important role in raising her extended family. She brought everyone together in her home to share delicious home cooked meals. All of these meals were eagerly anticipated by everyone. GG loved to prepare these meals, and she was always the last one to eat because she had to make sure that everything was just perfect.

She was loved by all and will be missed forever.

Eileen is survived by her four children, Connie Reich (Jim predeceased), Bruce Banks,  Allyson Banks, and Bill (Catharine) Banks; six grandchildren, Catherine (Chad) Curkan, Carolynn (Mike) Sander, Candice (Graham) Cooke, Caylie (Brett) Miles, Cameron Banks and Maria Banks; eight great-grandchildren, Colby, Carson and Calissa Sander, Cale, Caiden (predeceased) Cyle and Cole Curkan, Emily and Alex Cooke; and many extended family and friends.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband Gerald (Gerry) Banks, her parents, Allison and Ozella Toole; she was the last of all of her siblings to pass away. 

Due to Covid -19 restrictions a private family service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Eileen’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In Lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in memory of Eileen Banks to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. 

The Family would like to thank the Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Residence staff for the wonderful care and kindness shown to their Mother.

In living memory of Eileen Banks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.