Jeanette Banks

Jeanette Busse Banks 86, of Tampa joined our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven on Thursday December 3rd, 2020.

Born in Bronx, New York to Elisabeth and Paul Busse, she spent each summer upstate in Barryville with her beloved brother Eric and enjoyed some of the best times of her life there.

Preceded in death by her husband Thomas W. Banks, Jr., Mother (Elisabeth Busse/Schreiner) and Father (Paul Busse); Stepfather Walter Schreiner; brother and sister-in-law Eric and Nancy Busse.

She is survived by her 3 children, Lisa Roelens and husband Dennis of Milan, Illinois; Pamela Backer and husband Dave of Des Moines, Iowa and Robert Banks of Tampa, Fl. 5 grandchildren; Andrea Ryckeghem, Angela Barrett, Karla Eaton, Brooke Austin, Candice Potter, 7 great-grandchildren and 3 nephews.

She met and married her husband Tom while both were serving in the Air Force in Los Angeles, California. They married in 1954 and eventually settled in Tampa, Florida in 1970.

Jeanette was a long-standing member and supporter of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in South Tampa since the early 70’s. She sang in the choir for many years and developed deep and lasting friendships with members of the church. In the words of her family and friends, here is a glimpse into the world of the beautiful woman known as Mom, Ma-ee, Mi Madre, Grandma, Mom-in-law, Nana, Jeanette:

The greatest love of her life was Jesus Christ followed by her family who she loved unconditionally and completely until her last breath. She was a proud and loyal Catholic who shared God’s love with all. Her Guardian Angel’s name was Michael and she knew he was always present. Her strong faith, inner strength and courage carried her through life’s storms. Her steely resolve to do the right thing governed her life and made her a tremendous role model to all who knew her. She was fiercely independent, outspoken, and bold. Her thoughtfulness and generosity were impressive yet quiet. Her final gesture of generosity at the end of her life was turning down the opportunity to be placed on a ventilator that could save her life from the COVID19 virus that had invaded her body. She chose to let someone else live.

She was sharp, practical, and witty with a whole bunch of spice thrown in! She loved to laugh and was always ready for a good joke! Always zippy and fearless on the road, each one of her children and grandchildren have hilarious memories of her driving antics complete with an understanding that her Guardian Angel Michael was clearly keeping everyone safe. She loved music; 2 of her favorite artists were Engelbert Humperdinck, and Daniel Rodriguez. Her favorite song was Ave Maria. She was also tremendously proud to be an American.

Jeanette worked for Federated Department Stores for 25 years and maintained the friendships she made long after her retirement. She was a dedicated volunteer for Tampa General hospital for 20 years until COVID19 changed the world forever. She will be loved and missed for eternity.

Due to COVID19 there are no plans for a memorial service at this time. The family respectfully requests donations to be sent to Angels Unaware, Inc. P.O. Box 270040 Tampa, Florida 33688-0040.