Josephine Banek

Josephine S. Banek, 86, of Monroe, died, with her daughters at her side, at 1:47 AM, Monday, August 27, 2007 at Medilodge of Monroe. She had been in poor health since entering Medilodge on December 6, 2006, and seriously ill for a week. She was born October 27, 1920 in Monroe to Michael and Mary R. (Fiorito) Colucci. She was married to Emil M. Banek on July 3, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monroe by Fr. John Vanadia. Sadly, he preceded her in death on February 20, 1997. A lifetime resident of Monroe, she was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monroe, attended it’s grade school, and also attended St. Mary Acadamy. During WW II she worked as a nurse’s aid at Monroe Hospital. Josephine was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; it’s altar society, and had served as past treasurer of the Parent Teacher Guild at the school. She worked as a cafeteria assistant at the school for 15 years, retiring in 1982. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Monroe Council #1266, Ladies Auxiliary and the Camboni Missionary Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo and bowling, she bowled in numerous leagues in Monroe. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters, Mary R. (Thomas L.) Bilan and Anna M. (Mitch D.) Edwards, both of Monroe, grandchildren, Thomas J. (Leah) Bilan of Monroe, Jennifer J. (David) Fleck of Petersburg, Rachel E. (Rick) Hindbaugh of Adrian, Jeffrey N. (Jennifer) Edwards of Tulsa, OK and Julie Edwards of Monroe, and 12 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ralph and Dominic Colucci, and 2 sisters, Annie and Susan Colucci. Friends may call at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 5-9 PM Thursday and 12-9 PM Friday. A rosary service will be held at 4 PM Friday conducted by the Altar Society from St. Michael’s. She will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 10 AM until a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 AM. Fr. Stephen Rooney, pastor of the parish and Fr. Dan Complo, Sr. Priest, will concelebrate her funeral service. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe. Memorial gifts in her name may be given to St. Michael’s School.