Barbara Emily Banasiak

Born on February 28, 1941 in Hammond, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Ann (Horvatich) Stachelski. Barb was a member of the first graduating class of T.F. South High School in 1959 after which she attended cosmetology school to become a hairdresser. Barb’s life would forever flourish when she married Wally Banasiak in 1964 and spent a wonderful 62 years together ending in peace. Barb spent 61 years in Lansing, Illinois before moving to Fort Myers, Florida in 2002 to join her family to enjoy the Florida lifestyle that she so cherished.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents by her parents, Chester and Ann (Horvatich) Stachelski; and her brother Terrance Stachelski.

She is survived by her lifelong devoted husband, Wally Banasiak; her son Keith Banasiak, wife Gina Banasiak, and grandchildren Janeen and Cory; and her sister-in-law Marilyn (Sabo) Stachelski; nephew Nick Stachelski (Erin); and her sisters-in-law Darlene (Dave) Snell, Michelle (Dan) Belmore, Debbie (Norbert) Klekowski and beloved extended family members and friends.

Barb and Wally started their journey together in Columbus, Georgia in 1963 where Wally was stationed at Fort Benning in the Army. Coming from a humble beginning, together they built a bond through hard work, dedication and family that created lifelong memories. Often traveling, taking cruises, theater events, dining and attending church, they found a special place in each other’s heart that could never be replaced.

There was never a time where Barb was not working to save for trips or dinners with Wally and her family. Upon arriving in Florida, she found yet another career with Beall’s Department Store to which she stayed until March of 2026, when her illness ended her career. She was an avid crochet and knitter and was generous with the items she made. Most recently as a member of the crafters group at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, she was proud of the crafts they made and the purpose to which they were gifted. She was always willing to give where it was needed.

Barb was a person that chose to give and wasn’t one to receive until she was given the gift of her grandchildren Janeen (2001) and Cory(2007). From their time as infants to her time of passing, she was able to watch them grow, attend school functions, play sports and grow into adults. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. To them, she was Yiya. To her, they were her family.

If you knew Barb, you would remember her strong will, drive, determination and devotion to her family. She was the foundation of the family who kept traditions in place, especially the one tradition that she would not waiver. Christmas Eve at her house with her home cooking, decorations and gifts under the tree creating a lifelong event that was never compromised.

She will be deeply missed but remembered forever in the hearts of those that knew and loved her.

Funeral mass will be held on July 3, 2026 at 11:00am in the Chapel at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Fort Myers, Florida with an ash burial to follow on site.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Hope Hospice House at Healthpark. Their exceptional care, support and guidance was helpful through a difficult time. Wally, Keith and Gina are forever grateful for their compassion given when needed the most.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to : Hope Healthcare, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908. https:hopehcs.org/donate, St. Jude Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929, www.stjude.org/wemissyou.