Rosalie A. Banas

Norwich- Rosalie Ann Banas, 88, of Norman Rd., a lifelong resident of Lake St., passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015. She was born on February 5, 1926 in Norwich, the daughter of the late Joseph Franzone Sr. and the late Antoinette (Perrone) Franzone. Rosalie married Joseph Banas on May 2, 1953 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. He predeceased her on December 13, 1978.

Rosalie worked at Cipriani’s Grinder Shop and D’ Elia’s Bakery where she was well known for her grinders by her friends in the community. She also worked in downtown Norwich at Teppers with her sister Gloria Shea for many years. With a vivacious spirit, she had a unique ability to engage with everyone and make people laugh. She loved music and could often be heard singing or whistling. A devout Catholic, she was a member of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, and a communicant of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rosary Society member where she answered the prayer line. Additionally, she was a member of the American Red Cross and the Italian Society.

She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Finlayson and husband, William of Higganum; and her son, Joseph P. Banas and wife, Dr. Melissa Perkins-Banas of Brooklyn; sister, Gloria Shea and husband, Bud of Niantic; sister in law, Kappy Franzone of Simpsonville, SC; grandson, Matthew Finlayson and his girlfriend, Ami Vars; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brother Joseph Franzone.

A calling hour will be held at the Labenski Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and will proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Norwich.

Memorial donations in Rosalie’s memory may be made to the Ocean State Waves, PO Box 443, Wakefield, RI 02880.

To leave a message of condolence for Rosalie’s family, please visit her memorial at www.labenskifuneralhome.com

The Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., is entrusted with arrangements.