Sylvia B. (Beauregard) Banks died March 17th at Mary Lane Hospital. Her husband of 60 years, George W. Banks, died in 2000. She was born May 30, 1918, one of 16 children born to Ida and Joseph Beauregard. Sylvia was raised on a dairy farm on Ragged Hill in West Brookfield, attended a one-room schoolhouse. Throughout her life, Sylvia treasured memories of growing up on the farm. Sylvia moved to North Brookfield after marrying, and lived in the same house for 65 years. She raised 9 children in her loving home, all of whom she cherished, along with cherished relationships with extended family, friends, and neighbors. Sylvia loved to crochet, cook, bake, sew, grow flowers, paint, and do crafts. Her home was always filled with the aroma of fresh baking. She won awards for her apple pies and for her quilting. She taught 4-H sewing, she was a member of the North Brookfield Historical Society and served as its treasurer. She was a volunteer at Quabaug-On-the Common Nursing Home, and a member of St. Josephs Parish for 68 years, a member of the Legion of Mary, and the Women's Auxiliary and the Bereavement Committee. During the last years of her life, Sylvia courageously battled severe illness, but remained cheerful, upbeat, positive, and stayed as active as she possibly could. She welcomed new great grandchildren during her last year of life, and labored to make them beautiful hand-crocheted baby blankets. She remained alert until the end, and was always more concerned with others than she was with herself. Sylvia's greatest source of pride was her family.

She is survived by her children: George Banks and his wife Erica, of Vienna, Va.. Bonnie Banks-Kerby and her husband Wilson of Sacramento, Ca., Donald Banks and his wife Linda of Fredericksburg, Va, David Banks and his wife Lynne of North Brookfield, James Banks and his wife Charlene of Southbridge, Janet Soboleski and her husband Jim of Spencer, Roger Banks of North Brookfield and his companion Rachel Faugno, Philip Banks and his wife Megan of Hillsboro Oregon, and Susan Sandbridge and her husband Rodney of Ware. She also leaves 14 grandchildren: Eric, David, and Andrew Banks, Christina and Logan Kerby, Jeremy Banks, Casey Fairbrother, Benjamin and Brandon Banks, Seth Casey, Kyle Soboleski, and Jenna Kularski, Sylvia and Aaron Sandbridge. In addition, she leaves 9 great-grandchildren: Caroline Banks, Eric Cunningham, Kyle Banks, and Drew Banks, Alex and Connor Fairbrother, Deven and Hannah Kularski, and Sierra Soboleski. Sylvia leaves two brothers, Paul Beauregard of Leicester, and his wife Ruth, and Robert Beauregard of Warren, and his wife Ruth, along with many nieces and nephews and friends. Sylvia also leaves behind her devoted caregivers, whose support allowed Sylvia to remain in her home, and whose care kept her last days as full and as happy as possible, Kelly Diaz, Jen A., Jen D, Kristen, Sylvia, Marjorie, Jillian, and special thanks to Michelle Banford, who loved her like a grandmother. Sylvia joins her beloved husband, parents, and her many brothers and sisters in heaven, including Edna Fullam, who passed away March 2nd.

Calling hours for Sylvia will be on Monday March 24th from 5-8 p.m at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 44 Gilbert St., North Brookfield. A funeral Mass will be on Monday at 10 a.m at St. Joseph Church in North Brookfield followed by burial in Walnut Grove cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sylvia's memory to St Joseph Church Renovation Fund, 28 Mount Pleasant St., North Brookfield, Ma 01535 or to the North Brookfield Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 73, North Brookfield, Ma 01535.

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Mar. 21, 2008.