BANKS, Rosalie Mary

Age 85 of Tremont, Kings Co., died unexpectedly in hospital on May 9, 2020 after having overcome many dire health issues. Born in Middleton on May 4, 1935, she was the third of six children of the late Arleigh and Margaret (Dunn) Banks. Rosalie was a loving wife and mother and an active member of the Tremont community. After leaving the family farm where she was raised, Rosalie began a career in banking, working for several years at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Kingston. She then moved to the Royal Bank in Halifax where she met military man, Frank Bruce, from back home in the Valley. Marriage took the young couple to Germany, where their wanderlust brought them many adventures and travels throughout Europe. There they also started a family with their first two children. Upon returning to Canada, they spent a few years out West, and Rosalie had their third child in as many years. When her children were older, Rosalie returned to the workforce and spent another 15 years with the Greenwood Credit Union as office manager. Rosalie was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and a member of TOPS for many years. She was also a wonderful crafter; and made many treasures for her family over the years. Throughout her life, Rosalie was also well-known and appreciated for her delicious baking - especially for her pies. And she made many a pie for local church suppers and fundraisers. After the death of her first husband of 29 years, she met and married Manning Banks. They have enjoyed 23 wonderful years together. Rosalie always enjoyed a good cup of tea and a game of Cribbage with Manning; and they joined local card parties whenever they could to play 45’s and Bridge. In her later years, Rosalie has been a voracious reader and liked to play Solitaire on the computer when she became less mobile. Of special note was the untimely death of her daughter, Janice, which left a young boy without a mother. Rosalie and Manning welcomed William into their home and continued raising him to be the fine young man he is today. Rosalie suffered many life-threatening illnesses over the past 10 years; and Manning has been a loving and supportive advocate for her, by her side until the very end. Rosalie just celebrated her 85th birthday and was as astute and full of joy as ever! Rosalie was a very generous person and donated to many charities. With her husband, she supported two children through World Vision for many years; and enjoyed receiving their personal updates. Her support of Chrysalis House, a local shelter for women and children, was also an important cause to her. Rosalie is survived by her husband, J. Manning Banks; son, Frank (Biljana) Bruce, Richmond Hill, Ont.; daughter, Karen Bruce, Victoria Vale; grandsons, Alex and Eric Bruce, and William Bartlett; sister, Madeline (Gerry) Cadieux, Greenwood; and brothers, Murray Banks, Dartmouth; and Terry (Tish) Banks, Port Alberni, B.C. Also surviving are stepdaughters, Agnes Cooke and Katherine Vos and their families, all of Brantford, Ont.; brother-inlaw, Ted Keddy, Bedford; sistersin-law, Lorna Bruce and Joyce Bruce; stepson, James Banks, Amherst; and stepdaughters, Cathie (Merle) Matthews, Sackville; and Pam (Dan) Muise, Tremont, and their families. Many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins will also mourn her loss. Her death is a devastating loss to those close to her. Rosalie was predeceased by her first husband, Frank Bruce; daughter, Janice Bartlett; brother, Edwin Banks; sister, Janet Keddy; brother-in-law, John Bruce; sisters-inlaw, Joyce Banks, Anne Taylor, Eileen Bruce, and Lorraine Hannam. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date when family can all be together. She will be remembered with a monument beside her late husband in the New Tremont Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to World Vision, Tremont Community Cemetery Society, or a charity of your choice. A special thank you is extended to the Annapolis Valley VON for their care and dedication and to many staff at Soldiers Memorial Hospital who looked after her over the past few years. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., (902) 825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com