Patricia Joan Banner

Patricia Joan (Dennany) Banner born during the midst of WWII on the 19th of February 1945 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Passed away on the 8th of December 2021 in North Manchester, Indiana from a long battle of Cancer. Facing everyday with strength and courage.

Her mother, Charlotte Joan (Frisbie) Dennany, a young bride, newly married to Robert Dale Dennany, waited two years to introduce father and daughter. Anticipating his return in the home of Patricia’s grandparents, Michael and Maxine (Leutwyn) Dennany. Soon afterwards, the family grew. Patricia became the eldest sibling of Sandra (Ron) Snow, Robert (Debra) Dennany, Charlene (Patrick) Kulikowski, Gerald (Shelly) Dennany, Gregory (Linda) Dennany, Judith (Kenneth) Taylor and Deidre (Keith) Dallmann.

During her days at Saint Augustine High School, her cousin, David Dennany, introduced Patricia to James Lillis Banner. She chose wisely and he was blessed. Wearing an engagement ring, her Senior year, the two married on the 29th of June 1963 among family and friends in the beautiful Cathedral of St. Augustine’s. Among the attendees were her future mother and father-in-law, Joseph Donald and Alicia Margaret (Lillis) Banner and their children Mary (William) Woodhams, Joseph (Harriet) Banner, Jane (Tom) Sabel, Tom (Ila) Banner, Anne (Jeff) Klimek, Virginia (Jim) Handy, Collette Leonard, Chris (Mary) Banner, Betsy (Pete) Palasinski and Margaret Banner. Two large families merged, the Dennany’s and Banner’s (and extended families) to form an everlasting bond of memories and love.

After a year of marriage, James and Patricia began the welcoming of their first of their five children, Christine (William) Salvaggio, Kimberly Coffey, Mary Beth (Matt) Crass, James (Kimberly) Banner, Mathias (Jennifer) Banner. Nana (grandmother) to Kaleigh, Cara Joan, Colins, Shaelyn, Rain, Faith, Carynn and Abbigail. Great grandchildren: Xander, Izen, Sophia, Autumn and Finnley.

For those that shared in their later years of success and perseverance as flower farmers, extended gratitude for partaking in the joys and tribulations out in the field and at the markets. Patricia (and James) extensive knowledge of plants and flowers became a wealth of vital information within the community, particularly with dahlias. Known as the Flower Farmer’s Wife, the years at the Grand Haven, South Haven and Kalamazoo farmer’s markets; along with the Kellogg Manor House, provided a joy to many. A former member of the Allegan Michigan Garden Club, American Association of Cut Flowers, Dahlia Society and other organizations.

Patricia implemented her business marketing degree with precision by understanding the key elements of visuals, verbiage and human nature. She was gifted in the Latin language and excelled in the art of interior design. Every house became a home filled with welcoming attractiveness and charm, a Martha Stewart touch. She was honored to have her beautiful dahlias featured in one of Martha’s special wedding editions.

Although Patricia was an Elvis fan and jokingly talked about marrying his resemblance and enjoyed her Irish Ballads, it was the music of Bob Dylan and his persona that brought hours of interesting conversations and laughter. Her style in hats, shoes, coats and purses always brought a smile. Crafty remnants of her sewing, crocheting and calligraphy skills remain in the form of dolls and children’s clothes, hats, pillows and more.

A special thank you for the kindness of words, gestures and good deeds from nieces (Jennifer and Amanda), nephew (Tommy), neighbor (Scott and family), Hospice Staff (esp. Linda and Ed), McClain Funeral Home and Fr. Dennis Di Benedetto.

Remain faithful in the Grace of God and the date of December 8th Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the proclamation of Pope Pius IX in 1854, “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by the virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” 

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