Peacefully on Wednesday March 8th in her 84th year, at Michael Garron Hospice, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
Beloved and devoted wife of James Gesner (deceased April 3, 2016)
Much loved sister of Joe Banko and his wife Lois. Predeceased by her brother Fred Benko and his wife Elsie, her brother John and his wife Frances, and her sister Anne.
Aunt Pat will forever be remembered and loved by the many nieces and nephews she leaves behind.
The children of Fred and Elsie -Brian Benko, Mark Benko,
The children of John and Frances – Dan Banko ( Lori ), Greg Banko ( Kim ), Karen Kuzmich ( Steve )
The daughter of Anne – Trina Banko
The children of Joe and Lois – Colleen Durham ( Mark ), Tracy Banko-Carroll ( Dave ), Lorianne Banko, Katherine Banko
The children of Uncle Jim’s brother and his wife ( Doug and Karlene ), Laura Szczepanski ( Andrew ) children Lindsay and Nic, Michael Gesner
She loved all creatures great and small and that was encapsulated by the love and care she gave to their pet schnauzer dog, Heidi.
Pat was born January 15, 1940 in West Bend Saskatchewan Canada, and as a young child moved to Waterford Ontario.
After completing her high school education, she made her way to Toronto and accomplished her plan of finding employment with Bell Canada, where she worked until her retirement.
Pat married Jimmy, the love of her life on September 9th, 1972.
They settled in Scarborough Ontario where she enjoyed all that the city had to offer.
She loved the theatre, art galleries, cheering on the Blue Jays, and her local library.
Pat was an accomplished conversationalist, and had the unique ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. Choose a topic, politics, news headlines, home renovations etc, and she would carry the conversation.
Pat was always younger than her years in mind, body and spirit.
She loved to learn, and in her later years took courses on topics that interested her at the local universities.
She loved exploring the city and cultural events with her friends. Many she made after her and Jimmy downsized to their condo at Henley Gardens.
Pat died as she lived, on her own terms, and only after she was sure that she had tied up every lose end possible.
Special thanks to the Doctors and staff of Michael Garron Hospital, who gave Pat the dignity, grace and care she deserved.
Lastly, special mention to Laura and Andy, who assisted Aunt Pat with anything she needed during these last years as she so valiantly fought the good fight.
They will never know the gratitude her other nieces, nephews and family have for all they did for our beloved Aunt Pat.
Graveside service to be held at Pine hills Cemetery, on April 15th at 11:00 a.m.
625 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough.
Reception to follow.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Humane Society