Obituary of Kathleen O’Banks

Kathleen Mary Thompson “Mickey” O’Banks, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2015 while in hospice care at Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville, SC. She was 96 years old. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on September 17, 1918 to Charles and Mary Thompson, she was a lifelong resident of the Maybrook and Montgomery Area. Kathleen was a seamstress for 46 years. She worked the majority of that time for Brookmay Mfg. She used her seamstress skills to make a plethora of quilts, afghans, and needlepoint for family members as well as for fundraisers. She was also quick to offer help if pants needed to be hemmed, wedding dresses made, or even furniture covered. Her Dutch bread was a legend. She could do a wonderful energetic polka, was an avid Yankee fan, and made pounds and pounds of fudge for the holidays. The fudge was given to relatives including those in California, as well as doctors, nurses, postal workers and friends. Kathleen enjoyed life to the fullest with a positive outlook and a smile for everyone she encountered. She remained active throughout her life, riding in a hot air balloon at age 85, traveling to Ireland at age 90 and still driving a car at 93. She lead by example and was dearly loved by all her family members as well as anyone who had the privilege to have known her. She will sorely missed by remembered as the “Best Ever” She is survived by; son Christopher O’Banks of California; daughter Kathleen McVey and husband Norman of New York; son, John O’Banks and wife Cynthia of New York; son, Thomas O’Banks of California; 14 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren She was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Eldred O’Banks; son, Mark Daniel O’Banks; brothers, Charles (Toot), James (Bud), Harry and George Thompson; sisters Margaret Flynn and Sister Mary Evangelist, a nun of 75 years. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Menezes of Crystal Run Healthcare for the loving care he provided. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 8, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586 A funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church Rte 211 Montgomery, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local VFW, Agape Hospice, 658 Bells Highway, Waterboro, SC 29448, or the Hospice of one’s choice. Arrangements are by the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc. 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 845-778-3811 gridleyhoran.com