R. Emily Banks

SOUTH PORTLAND/FORT FAIRFIELD – With love in our hearts, we remember R. Emily Banks, of South Portland, who passed away on Oct. 30, 2024. Emily was loved by many; admired for her grace, kindness and bright smile that lit up every room.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harvey Banks of Fort Fairfield, and brother Allen Hagerman of Ottawa, Canada. Emily leaves behind her younger brother Nelson Hagerman (and partner Jeannette Gallant) of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Also her children, Laurie Banks recently of Acworth, Ga. (husband Kevin Reader and daughter Morgan Allen, engaged to Nicholas Athanassiou), Donald Banks of South Portland (wife Karen Banks, daughter and son-in-law Alexandrea and Kyle Tomisman and great-grandson Logan), Douglas Banks of Sunrise, Fla. (daughters Erin Banks, and Kayla Banks, engaged to Ben Levesque) and daughter Lisa Noonan of Portland (husband Kevin Noonan and daughters Taylor Noonan and Hannah Noonan, engaged to Russell Simms). Also, nephew Frank and his wife Mary Shorey of Anson, nephew Albert and his wife Jackie Sanford of N. Yarmouth; along with multiple Canadian cousins, nieces and nephews, plus extended family.

Emily worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration in Presque Isle, for 27 years and made multiple friends there, whom she remained close to over the years. As an active member of the Fort Fairfield United Parish Church until she moved to South Portland, where she joined the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, Emily was beloved by all members for her unwavering support, her devotion, and her baked goods.

A message from Emily’s children: Emily and Harvey had four children. Four corners of strength…which we needed during her passing. It is to her and our father that we owe our bonds. We are bold and we are strong, all due to their guidance. Her faith in God, and her love for her family, gave her the grace that so many admired, and the wisdom that so many aspired to. Our mother had friends wherever she went. People who were drawn to her kindness and her style. She had an eye for color and combination that all six of her grand girls have inherited. As a Scottish woman she had the sassy wit that put us all in place – and the taste for a dram of whiskey now and then – but only two fingers. Emily was born in Canada, Lyndsay, New Brunswick, and married our father Harvey in 1954, who lived in Fort Fairfield after serving in WWII. Despite some difficult setbacks, they built so many things together; a house, a future, four mischievous kids. Emily had an independent spirit to the last, which she passed on to all of us. While in hospice, numerous people came to visit her, each with their own story of why they admired our mom. It’s funny the things you learn at the end, which only serve to solidify the things you knew all along. We send our mother to heaven with all our love, because that is where she belongs. With our dad, and all the others who have left us, waiting for her with open arms. Where she rests, in the loving arms of her Lord.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the United Parish Church, 4 Church Street, Fort Fairfield. Friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will take place at the United Parish Church reception area, following the interment.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mrs. Banks to

the South Portland Food Cupboard

130 Thadeus Street

South Portland, ME 04106 or to:

Thornton Heights United Methodist Church

100 Westbrook Street

South Portland, ME 04106 or to:

United Parish Church

c/o Jane Hunt

15 Fisher Street

Fort Fairfield, ME 04742