Eriketa Polo Banka

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Eriketa (Keti) Polo Banka this Wednesday, September 6, 2023. For the past 2.5 years, she fought a strong battle against pancreatic cancer. Together with her, we tried everything and fought valiantly, but ultimately the disease took over. We are devastated but at the same time proud of her fighting spirit and positive attitude and find solace in the fact that she was with her beloved family. Our mother was a very generous person, with a big heart, always putting others before herself. Her selflessness was only paralleled by her unlimited love and care for her family. She was extremely proud of her two sons and all they achieved throughout their educational and professional journeys in the US. Over the past years since the diagnosis, she spent her time in the US with her sons, husband, and daughter-in-law, which brought great joy to her since she always wanted to be close to her sons. She was a brilliant musician, teacher, and performer, being a talented professional pianist throughout her whole life. She spent different stages of her life in Albania, Greece, and the US, making her the diverse and cultured person that she was. All her family and friends had nothing but love for her. Her radiant smile, her beauty, youthfulness, sense of humor, humility, integrity, unparalleled motherly love, will be engrained in the memories of everyone who knew her. We are privileged, honored, and blessed that over the past few years we were close to our mother, built positive memories (despite the difficulties,) supported her and took care of her on a daily basis. She left in peace, surrounded by her family up until the end. Despite the heavy loss, we know she is in a better place now and her presence will always be here with us and her light and blessings will guide and protect us.