Carol Lynn Banish

Carol Lynn (Carrie) Banish, passed away on February 12,2014 at her home in Auburn, California. She was born on May 5th 1952 in San Francisco, California to Robert and Betty Spencer. Carol grew up in Sunnyvale, California. She graduated from Sunnyvale High School, Class of 1970. After high school she worked for The Pacific Telephone Company as an operator. Carol married Dennis Banish in 1971 in Sunnyvale, California and began a 42 year love affair. They began life together in San Jose and welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Jason in 1976. Next, came their wonderful daughter Kimberly, in 1978. Carol moved with her family to Orangevale and eventually to Auburn. She always gave a hug and shared a laugh with everyone she knew; her smile lit up a room. Her house was always open to visitors where many a meal was shared. Carol and Dennis enjoyed traveling. They traveled to France and found solace in visiting Lourdes. It was a very meaningful trip for Carol and gave her great comfort in the following years. She loved her garden; roses were her favorite. She also enjoyed flower arranging, dancing, and singing, and she especially enjoyed interacting with children.

Carol is survived by her husband Dennis, son Jason, daughter Kimberly, all of Auburn, California, her sister Sharon Kirk of Anaheim Hills, California, her sister Deborah Spencer of Santa Rosa, California, her Mother Betty Spencer, and nieces Lori, Sara, Sally, Erica, and nephews Peter, David, Buddy, and Gregory. Carol was preceded in death by her Father Robert Spencer.

When Carol’s children Jason, and Kimberly were born with developmental disabilities, she devoted her life to raising and caring for her family. After Jason and Kimberly transitioned out of the public school system, she learned that there was not an appropriate program available for adults with similar disabilities as her childrens‘. When she contacted the Regional Center about getting a program, she was told “we aren’t starting some new expensive program in Auburn”. Carol said “yes you are, you just don’t know it yet!!!”. She identified other families that were not being served, then organized them into a force to be reckoned with. Carol met Matt & Robin Rhoades who agreed to bring a satellite version of their successful Southside Art Center to Auburn, if funding could be secured. Carol’s petition to the State was approved and Southside Auburn Art Center opened in 2000 and continues to serve adults with disabilities. She worked as the program’s secretary until she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in 2001, during that first year she donated her entire salary back to Southside Auburn Art Center to help ensure it’s success. Carol and Dennis were faithful supporters of Auburn’s Salvation Army after moving to Auburn in 1996. They also regularly supported The American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Alzheimer’s Association, and The Joshua Fund.

For the next 13 years, she battled her cancer with courage, grace, and strength that inspired all who knew her. During her own struggle, she helped others in need. Carol credited her amazing results to her Lord Jesus Christ, Dr Thomas Roshak, Dr. Mark Knoble, and their wonderful staffs , as well as the loving staffs of Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital and the Sutter Auburn Infusion Center.

Carol and Dennis pray for the day that cancer will no longer be a threat to our loved ones. If you would like to make a donation, Carol and Dennis’ wish would be for your support to go to a local cancer center in your area.