Mary Lou Banks

February 18, 1918 - April 12, 2013

The family of Mary (Lou)ise Banks, age 95, of Beaver Dam, announces her passing on Friday, April 12 at Sienna Crest Assisted Living Facility in Oregon, WI.

The former Mary Louise Wilson was born on February 18, 1918 to William and Almira (LaSalle) Wilson in Escanaba, Michigan. One of eleven siblings, Mary Lou attended St. Anne”s Catholic School and was a 1935 Graduate of Escanaba High School. After graduation she received a post-secondary vocal scholarship to the College of St. Teresa at Winona, Minnesota, later attending the UW-M, where she obtained a teaching degree in special education (students with hearing impairments) in 1939. On June 14, 1940, Mary Lou was united in marriage with John Smart Banks in Escanaba, Michigan. Living in Lansing, Michigan and later in Lovell, Wyoming, Mary Lou moved with her family to Beaver Dam in 1952. She taught at St. Peter”s and St. Patrick”s Catholic Schools, was a member of St. Peter”s Women”s Society and served as President. She also sang in the St. Peter”s choir and was the choir director in the 1960”s. Mary Lou also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years.

Her life was fulfilled and enriched by her 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, as well as her passion for reading, oil painting and gardening. Mary Lou was a uniquely beautiful loving soul with a very deep faith and love for her husband and children, God and her church. Mary Lou is survived by her sons, Steven (Mary) of Pottstown, PA, Michael of LaCrosse, William (Camille) of Kaukauna and Robert (Mary Jo) of Beaver Dam; daughters, Julie (Bill) Martino of Island Lake, IL, and Jean (Rick) Parks of DeForest. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John in 1997, and her ten brothers and sisters.

The family of Mary Lou wish to recognize the staff of Sienna Crest for their years of devoted care.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal funeral and the inurnment will be at St. Peter”s Cemetery in Beaver Dam at a later date.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

The family of Mary (Lou)ise Banks, age 95, of Beaver Dam, announces her passing on Friday, April 12 at Sienna Crest Assisted Living Facility in Oregon, WI. The former Mary Louise Wilson was born on February 18, 1918 to William and Almira (LaSalle) Wilson in Escanaba, Michigan. One of eleven siblings, Mary Lou attended St.Continue Reading

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So sorry to hear of Loren's passing. We enjoyed them as backyard neighbors for many years in Beloit. Our deep sympathies to your family on your loss.

I love you grandma! Thank you for giving birth to an amazing line of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Your love and humor can be seen and felt in all of us! We will honor you for all of our days! Love and miss you! Brittnie

My most sincere condolences. I was blessed and honored to have had Mary Lou as a teacher at St. Peter''s for both 6th and 8th grade...she was a wonderful teacher and someone I admired greatly. May God bless you all and know she touched many lives.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

"Uniquely beautiful loving soul" is right. Mrs. Banks, the very reason I became a teacher myself. Mrs. Banks, a most fun, loving, dedicated person. Mrs. Banks, someone I enjoyed visiting with many years after having her as my 6th grade teacher. I loved her very much. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.