Jane F. (Anisko) Banach, 91, of Auburn, entered eternal life on Sunday, April 21, 2024, two days after celebrating her 91st birthday. Her husband of 57 years, Wallace M. Banach, died in 2017. She is survived by her son, Archbishop Michael W. Banach, Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a son, David M. Banach, and sisters, Bronia Anisko and Mary V. Brzozowski.
Born in Worcester, youngest daughter of Kostanty and Catherine (Kilik) Anisko, Mrs. Banach graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Worcester. As a recipient of the Bishop Wright Inaugural Scholarship, she attended Anna Maria College in Marlboro and Paxton, MA, obtaining a degree in sociology and education. She was an elementary school teacher for many years: at High Street School in Warren, MA, as a substitute teacher in the Auburn Public School System, and at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Worcester, where, in 1992, she was named to Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Jane was a life-long member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Worcester and a member of its Polish Women’s Guild. Mrs. Banach grew up on the “island” and enjoyed sharing stories of her youth with family and friends. A woman of deep faith, her kindness, humility, spark and sense of humor created a welcoming sense to many.
Sentiments of gratitude extend to her nieces, Valerie M. Brzozowski and Elaine Kilinski, for their assistance and presence over the past years; to Dr. Kevin DeLacey, for his 30 plus years of primary care; to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Emergency Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester; as well as to the Chaplains of the Hospital for their compassionate pastoral care.
The funeral will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., Worcester. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Friday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial, with Archbishop Michael Banach as principal celebrant, will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, will be principal concelebrant. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.