Barbara E. (Ackley) Banning

Barbara (Ackley) Banning

July 23, 1929 - May 8, 2021

Our family sadly lost a pillar of the community on Saturday, May 8, 2021 when Barbara Banning, also known as Mrs. B., passed away peacefully in her sleep.  Born in Queens, NY on July 23, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Rita Ackley and the widow of Joseph B. Banning III.

Barbara grew up in Brooklyn, NY and moved to East Hampton, CT for her senior year, where she met, fell in love, and eventually married Joe.  She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1947 and then moved back to Brooklyn.  Joe liked to tell how he had to hitchhike from East Hampton, CT to Brooklyn, NY until he finally convinced her to marry him in May 1951.  They settled in East Hampton, CT where they raised their 6 children.

Barbara was a very dedicated Mother and Grandmother and could always be found volunteering in her community.  She was also known to be the biggest cheerleader at both her children’s and grandchildren’s events.  Barbara was a lifelong member of the St. Patrick’s Guild, and also a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 5095.  She also volunteered at Middlesex Memorial Hospital only stopping at age 87.

Besides her husband of over 50 years, Barbara was predeceased by three of her sons, Stephen, Richard (Dickie) and Dennis and her grandson, Andrew.  Barbara is survived by three of her children, her son JB Banning of Tolland, Daughters Laura (Ron) Landry, Karen (Rob) Ennen and daughter-in-law Patricia (Dickie) Banning, all of East Hampton.  She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters and 2 brothers and their spouses and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends may call on Friday, June 11, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St East Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, East Hampton, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Sandy Peszynski Breast Cancer Foundation, 93 East High Street, East Hampton CT 06424. 

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