JoAnn K. Banas

Norwich - JoAnn K. Banas, 76, of Norwich, Connecticut passed away on October 18, 2025.
She created a family home for more than 50 years on Old Canterbury Turnpike. She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Emily M. Kreger.
JoAnn is survived by her five children: Julie (Frank) Grande, Monica Banas, Andrea (Trent) Koukol, Edward Banas Jr. and Ashley Banas; seven grandchildren: Victoria, Zackary (Nicole), Nickolas and Jackson Koukol; Makayla, Trevor, and Edward Banas III; and Great granddaughter Myla Koukol.
Growing up in Norwich, JoAnn graduated from Norwich Free Academy. Inspired by her beloved grandmother, JoAnn earned her LPN degree at the age of 19, graduating from Windham Community Memorial Hospital in 1968. Working in nursing homes, JoAnn was drawn to taking care of people and touched countless lives with her kindness.
JoAnn was ambitious. In the mid-70s she created "Career Corner Uniforms", which catered to the apparel needs of local service professionals, expanding to four locations. Later in life, JoAnn embarked on yet another career, selling real estate, winning many "top sales" awards.
Eventually, she returned to nursing and then years of being a dealer and supervisor at Foxwoods Casino until she retired.
As a young woman, JoAnn taught dance classes to children and participated in community theater productions for the "Backus Up Follies" and the Rose Arts Festival. She had a love of theater, sharing with her children performances on Broadway, the Rockettes, the Schubert Theater and the Good Speed Opera House.
JoAnn had a great love of Cape Cod and shared many vacations there with her family. JoAnn loved to travel. Her travels included Scotland as well as many visits to her children and grandchildren in Minnesota and Florida. Family time was always a priority! She enjoyed music "On the Green" in Norwich, mini - golf, attending sports events for grandchildren and Christmas shopping.
JoAnn will be remembered for her great love of family, her pets, chocolate ice cream, theater, and Corvettes. JoAnn had a special bond with her mother, Emily and grandmother, Pearl.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 25th at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 120 Cliff St, Norwich. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 24th from 6-8 pm at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 11 Jerome Rd, Uncasville.