Catherine A. Banks

Catherine A. Banks, 94, of Springfield died at 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Villa East Nursing Home. Catherine was born on October 7, 1913, in Flora, the daughter of Walter C. and Anna V. Day Wilderson. She married Thomas S. Banks in 1939 in Petersburg. Catherine received voice lessons from Mario Varchi in Italy, Thorwald Olsen in St. Louis and Carlton Eldredge in Springfield. She was a voice teacher at Springfield College of Music and Allied Arts for fifteen years, working with young adult singers as a private vocal coach. She appeared in "Brigadoon" at the Muni Opera and "70 Girls" at the Theatre Guild. She was an Elder at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and the church's organist for sixty years. She was a member of the St. John's Samaritan's Club, the Morning and Evening Etude Club, the St. Aloysius and Springfield Municipal Choirs and a former member of Cathedral Choir. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas in 1976; daughter, Sue Jakschik in 1996 and brother, Carroll Wilderson. Catherine is survived by three sons, Thomas J. Banks of Santa Clarita, CA, John W. (wife, Jean) Banks of Springfield and David M. (wife, Kim) Banks of Arlington Heights; one daughter, Linda (husband, Doug) Sievers of Arcata, CA; eight grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2008 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield with Rev. Mark Schulte, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Aloysius School, 2125 N. 21st St., Springfield, IL 62702.