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Banks (Spavor), Nancy Maria

Nancy Maria Banks (Spavor)

May 31, 1954 – March 15, 2017

With overwhelming grief we announce the death of Nancy Banks, who after a heroic and extensive battle with cancer, passed on the afternoon of March 15 surrounded by her loving family and friends at Kootenay Lake hospital.  Nancy was 62 years old.

Nancy was born in Nakusp to parents Bill and Monica Spavor, and grew up in a traditional Slovakian family.  She was the eldest of five siblings and lived on their farm where she learned old-fashioned skills.  As talented Nancy was at farm life, she had a brilliant mind and pursued a career in med-lab technology at BCIT immediately after graduation.  She met Larry in Vancouver after her graduation from BCIT and they instantly hit it off.  The two of them moved to Prince George and lived there for 25 years where Nancy furthered her career and enjoyed the northern lifestyle.  Together they explored numerous backcountry trails outside their backyard and enjoyed annual fall moose hunting trips with her family.

In 1995 Nancy gave birth to their son Connor.  She was a dedicated mother while balancing her demanding career.  In 1999 the Banks family moved to Nelson where Nancy became chief lab technologist.  She worked at KLH in various roles until 2014.  Unfortunately, due to poor health, her career ended prematurely.

Nancy found great pleasure gardening and landscaping her yard.  She loved to preserve her own food, kept her pantry stocked, and her family and friends well fed.  Nancy was active in the local Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League.  Serving and helping others was a way of life for Nancy.

Nancy was a committed member of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragon Boat team since 2010, which gave her a way to support the fight against cancer.  She loved the camaraderie, and this activity further fulfilled her love of the outdoors.  Nancy was fit and strong, quick to smile, and slow to anger.  She was gracious and loyal, and was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.  She will be missed by many.

Nancy is survived by her husband Larry, son Connor, brothers Bill, Julius (Dianne), and John (Karen), and sister Cathy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank all those at KLH, friends and family who supported Nancy throughout her brave fight against cancer.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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