BANKS, Jessie Beatrice - Sadly, we announce the passing of Jessie Beatrice Lewis Gesner Banks, on June 14, 2011, at Mountain Lea Lodge, Bridgetown where she resided for the past two years. Born in Port Lorne, July 14, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Alfred Spurgeon and Elizabeth Ann (Sabean) Lewis. Jessie was a member of the Port Lorne Women’s Missionary Society, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Port Lorne Volunteer Fire Department, and a former member of the Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia. A very warm-natured person who cared about people, Jessie had quite a sense of humour and liked a good argument on occasion. She was very particular about her housework and how things "should” be done, always working hard, and doing her work well. Following the death of her first husband (Willie), she was employed at Britex Elastic Plant for twelve years, where her organizational skills became vital as daughters Ruth and Linda were still at home. She liked to quilt (we have an appliquéd butterfly quilt started at age 16) and read, and go driving with John and later, Ruth. Over the years, Jessie eagerly collected clippings, portraits, books and plates depicting the life of the Royal family. While raising her three girls with her first husband, she was an active member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Belleisle. Later, back in Port Lorne with second husband, John, Mom could always be counted on for at least a pan of delicious baked beans for fund-raiser dinners for the local Fire Hall or Church. Jessie is survived by daughters, Lottie Elizabeth (Bette) Law (Norman), Calgary; Ruth Beatrice Gesner (Wayne George) Port Lorne; and only surviving triplet, Linda Marie Smith (Kenneth) Belnan; Grandchildren: Bryan (Sharon), Morinville, AB; Scott (Alana), Cold Lake, AB; Dawn, Fall River and Ian, Belnan; great-grandchildren: Ashley, Joshua, Justyn, Jerid, Zhoei, Kandra, Natasha, Chelsea, Lindsay, Brianne, Evan; a great-great-grandson, Lucas, is about to be born; Step-daughters: Elaine Banks, Sharon (Paul) Healy, and Step-granddaughter: Karen Healy. Sisters: Goldie (St Clair) Williams, Rena Williams; brother: Floyd; numerous nieces and nephews. Jessie was predeceased by her first husband, Willard Rowland Hamilton Gesner, and her second husband, John Thomas Banks; Children – Gail Madeline, Patricia Ann (triplets), David Rowland; Sisters: Lucinda (Donald) Fash, Alice (Douglas) Lewis; Brothers: (Rev.) Stewart, Alfred, Paul (infant); Sisters-in-law – Jean (Floyd), Ruby (Stewart). Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held at the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448 on Saturday, June 18, 2011, followed by a reception catered by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Port Lorne Volunteer Fire Department. Family flowers only, please. Donations in memory may be made to the Gesner Cemetery, Belleisle, Annapolis County, or charity of choice. Interment will be at a private gathering at the Gesner Cemetery. Online condolences may be made through: www.middletonfuneralhome.com