Dorothy Banks

1926 - 2023

Dorothy Banks
November 26, 1926 - March 12, 2023
Dorothy W. Banks was born November 26, 1926 in Napton, Missouri to Louise and Wellington Wells.
Dorothy lived her early life on her family's farm, but in her late teens moved to Minneapolis to stay with extended family when both her parents passed away unexpectedly. She had a rich life in Minneapolis and worked as a supervisor with Northwest Airlines flight food service for nearly 20 years. While in Minneapolis, she met Hobart M. Banks and they married in 1966.
The two moved out to California and made San Francisco their home. They had one daughter, Anna. Dorothy was a dedicated homemaker and a talented cook. She baked her own bread every week and was a skilled seamstress known for making her own stylish clothes as well as crafting mother/daughter sewing creations.
Once her daughter was in middle school, Dorothy went on to become a sales person at Loehmann's for over a decade. She enjoyed the customers as much as the fashion. Later when Hobart suffered a major stroke, Dorothy spent eight years as his devoted caregiver until his passing.
Already in her late 70's when Hobart passed, Dorothy decided to take on her next chapter with enthusiasm. She became an even more avid member of the YMCA community. She worked out at the Y three times a week and was a regular participant in the senior community outings around the Bay Area. When not at outings with the Y or with friends, she loved to lavish attention on her granddaughter Haven.
Dorothy was a faithful member of Grace Cathedral, where she worshipped for over 55 years. She served for many years on their Altar Guild, the volunteer group of then primarily women who cared for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the Cathedral. In this role, she particularly enjoyed arranging flowers for the church. Later, she became a regular participant in the Seniors with Grace community. Dorothy could often be found volunteering at Bayview Mission, a special mission of the Episcopal Diocese of California focused on providing basic needs for families with young children, seniors, and foster care groups in the Bayview/Hunters Point. She especially loved to put together kits for babies.
In her sunset years, Dorothy could often be seen sitting in the window of her home with a smile and wave for all who went by. In her last months, she was cared for by the Elder Ashram assisted living community. She still always had a joyful smile for all those around her.
Dorothy Banks passed away on March 12, 2023. She was 96.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her siblings Helen, Albert, Laura Mae and Melvina. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, her daughter Anna Banks, son-in-law Gregory Hunter, and granddaughter Haven.
Her services will be held at Grace Cathedral on Sunday, April 23 at 3pm.