Irma Jean Banks, 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on April 7, 2022, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Irma was born in South Ohio, Nova Scotia, to James and Emma (Moses) Gould on February 18, 1936. She grew up in South Ohio and attended South Ohio United Baptist Church until it was closed. Then she joined Hebron Baptist Church. Irma graduated high school through the GED program in 1985, the same year her youngest daughter graduated high school. Irma married the love of her life, Charles Banks, on August 31, 1953. In Irma’s early years, she worked at Rozee’s Photography, developing photographs; she then took off time to raise her family; she was an excellent seamstress and worked at Bradshaw’s of Yarmouth; and then later in life she worked in the Shoe Shop. Irma and Charles were members of the Bluenose Twirlers and traveled with the group to many places including a memorial trip to Bar Harbour Maine. Irma was a faithful Christian all her life, she taught Sunday School and hosted Bible Studies regularly. She was also a member of a band, where she played the guitar. The band traveled all over Southwest Nova Scotia entertaining groups including many visits to nursing homes and church events. Irma was also an avid bridge player and from kitchen bridge with their close friends to duplicate bridge, Irma was a stellar player with a sharp mind. She enjoyed all types of cards and games and even in her later years could beat her children and friends and have barrels of fun doing it. Irma volunteered with the Women’s auxiliary, baking, knitting and visiting when the need arose. Irma also loved to quilt and hosted many quilting parties in her basement in South Ohio. Irma also loved fishing, with her best friend Eleanor Moses, and dragging their children along as often as they could. Irma was a loving wife and mother. She raised 4 successful daughters and she took wonderful care of her husband Charles for many years until his passing. Irma was predeceased by her husband Charles in 1999, her father and mother, James and Emma, brother James Jr and sister Joyce. She is survived by her sisters, Gloria Gould, Linda (Kenney) Crosby, Nancy (Graham) Finch, brothers, Paul (Liz) Gould, Allan (Holly) Gould, Bruce Gould; daughters ,Dianne Banks, Donna Banks, Cindy (Lynn) Banks-Seeley, Gloria Banks; grandchildren, Michael (Tara) Hanf, Tiffany (Nathan) Crealock, Tabitha (Tim) Nicholl, Melissa (Terry) Hanf, Kristen (Alex) Hayes, Hannah (Jabrille) Banks-Ritchie, Nathan Tovell, Kelsey Tovell and Charlie Banks; great-grandchildren, Baden Hanf, Leah Crealock, Adrien Hanf, Kyla Crealock, Ainsley Jacquard, Luke Hayes, Braelee Ritchie and Ayla Hanf. Visitation will be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium on April 11, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at Hebron Baptist Church on April 12, 2022, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Chuck McGuire officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in South Ohio. Sweeney’s Funeral Home and Crematorium are handling the funeral arrangements.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Webster for his kind care of Irma over many years; Yarmouth Homecare for their visits over the past couple years, including Karen Jeffery-Atkinson and Karen Ritchie-LeBlanc; as well as the staff at Yarmouth Heights over the past 2 months, they were so warm and welcoming to Irma and her children.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hebron Baptist Church, Hillside Cemetery or South Ohio Community Centre.
The family would ask that all in attendance wear a mask.