Rosemary Katherine Banka, age 79 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2022 with her family by her side. Born in Grand Rapids on February 18, 1943 the only child of James & Velda (Hayes) Byrne.
She was a teacher in the Kentwood Public Schools at Meadowlawn Elementary retiring after 43 years.
A woman of faith, Rosemary made her church home at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She kept busy with her involvement in the Kentwood Women’s Club, Lady’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), Philanthropic Educational Organization (POE), and several book clubs.
Rosemary loved to travel. She enjoyed road trips and taking cruises. Rosemary like to read and tend to her beautiful flower gardens.
However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife for 41 years, a loving mother and caring RoRo to her grandchildren. The memories she created with them will be treasured.
Rosemary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Heather & Dan Armock and her grandchildren: Andrew James, Morgan Rose and Dean Richard as well as many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and her parents.
Visitation for Rosemary will be held on Tuesday May 31, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Wednesday June 1, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. The family receive friends starting at 12:00 p.m.
