Donata Marie (Jasenski) Banks

Donata Marie Banks was born in Torrington on October 22, 1952 to Donata “Annie” and Henry Jasenski. Her sibling sidekick was Linda Fields. While she’d be the first to say her marriage to Melvin Banks at age 20 wasn’t the best decision she’d made, she’d tell you it’s one she never regrets – as they had four strong, smart, and beautiful children: Melissa Banks, Timothy Banks, Stacy Banks, and Ashley Banks. And as a result of that stellar production, she was blessed with the best grandchildren any grandmother could ask for: Devan Banks, Sierra Banks, Fallyn Banks, Charlotte Banks, Lucy Jarowski, Iris Banks, and Liam Jarowski. Don’t forget her inherited, wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Rayna Banks and Cole Jarowski, as well as her fur family, Molly and Sassy. She also spoiled many nieces and nephews.

A nurturer by nature, Donata was an LPN, most recently at Cook Willow in Torrington where she was known for whipping up “the Donata combo.” During her nursing career, she extended her heart not only to her patients but to her colleagues, creating lifelong friendships, especially with Lee Ann Ward, Suzanne Conroy, and Lisa Vincenzi.

While being a lifelong resident of Torrington, Cape Cod was her second home. From playing skee-ball at the arcade as a child, to covering her grandkids in glow sticks before walking to the beach for fireworks each 4th of July, to her annual girls’ trip, which included watching Santa arrive by boat and trying to win one of the JFK Museum Christmas trees -- there was no place she’d rather be with her family. Reading a book on the beach, chowing on clam chowder, and browsing the aisles of the Christmas Tree Shop were also a must for her while at the Cape.

On December 3, Donata was greeted in Heaven by her parents, ex-husband, and granddaughter Charlotte after a nine-year battle with cancer. Imagine that welcome to Heaven conversation. She fought the disease with determination and grit, never complaining, and always greeting every nurse and doctor with a laugh. So, while the awful disease took her way too soon, it never won. She won, we won - for her choosing to truly live each day, making us better people and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington from 9-11:30 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at Sacred Heart Church, 116 Grove St., Torrington, at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Center for Cancer Care, 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790.  www.cookfuneralhomect.com

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