Kathryn Banek, age 91, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in Monroe, MI.
Kathryn was born to Frank and Inez (Stevens) Moosman on October 22, 1918 in Monroe. Following graduation from Monroe High School in 1936 she completed cosmetology school at what was to become Virginia Farrell Beauty School. In 1939 she opened Kay's Beauty Shop in Newport. She married Aaron (Mike) Karamel on April 9, 1940. On October 10, 1941 Mike drowned leaving Kathryn with their five month old daughter, Jeanne.
During World War II she worked for the government as an inspector.
On February 18, 1947 she married Anthony (Tony) Banek. They were married 57 years and enjoyed working together 23 years in their grocery store, Tony's Food Market.
Kathryn was a member of St. Michael's Church and it's Altar Society, Knights of Columbus Ladies, Nomads and a volunteer for Mercy Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, reading, working crossword puzzles and especially being with her family.
She was preceded in death by both husbands, her daughter Jeanne Cloum, her parents, a sister Mary Jane Kellie, and brothers William and Frank Jr. Surviving are her son Anthony Jr. (Sandy) and daughter Helen (Carl) Swanson both of Monroe and daughter Nancy (Joe) Vitale of Laramie, Wyoming, six grandchildren; Joel Cloum, Nancy Greene, Joey Vitale, Frank Vitale, Stacey Zangara, and Steve Banek and ten great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe. On Saturday, September 11, 2010 she will lie in state at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church from 9:00 am until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating her life at 10:00 am. Fr. Stephen Vileo, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Michael's St. Vincent DePaul Society