BANKS (Killen), Eva G. ~ of Waterville, Kings Co., at the graceful age of 96 and a bit, our beloved mom slipped peacefully away from this realm into the next with her loved ones by her side. Our sweet mom was gentle, loving, creative and kind...and perhaps a little mischievous at times. She grew up in the 'booming village' of Elderbank - in the heart of the Musquodoboit Valley. As one of eight children born to blacksmith father, Henry - "He could shoe any horse!" and gentle mother, Alice - "She always had a smile." Mom entertained us with many a tale from her childhood and youth. She was a faithful member of her local United Church, a member of the CGIT, and dreamt of becoming a missionary. She loved to run at an 'easy pace' everywhere she went, particularly from her home to her Uncle Hen and Aunt Bessie's home - about six km away. She met the love of her life, John, while living in Brookfield. The two enjoyed theatre, music, and square dancing for many years. Their little house soon saw the arrival of James and Penny, and after relocating to Waterville, Margo arrived on the scene. We often returned home from a long day at school to find chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven, and fellow teachers were always interested to see Dad's lunch box - stacked with sandwiches, home made lunches and wedges of homemade pie. Mom made many dresses for special occasions, concerts, proms, and even a wedding dress. She loved to sew...and we loved the products. She also loved to knit - we had lopi sweaters, mittens, and most exciting - during the 80's - she knit black fingerless gloves for Penny & Margo and a few of our friends. Mom was an active member of the United Church Women for many years and had countless wonderful adventures with the Craft and Aquasize Ladies. After our dad passed, these groups kept Mom very busy and active in the community. Sometimes it seemed she was busy every night of the week! We three would laugh as we tried to keep track of her. At the age of 72, she learnt Tai Chi from her new neighbour from Hong Kong, Lily. Their favourite place to practice was in the tall grasses in a field on Lily's property. In recent years, while much less active, she still enjoyed drives to the shore and around the countryside to admire the ever-changing scenery. Sunshine on her face would often be classified as 'Glorious' and sunshiney mornings and a good cup of coffee were pretty much perfect in her eyes. She loved watching the chickadees, cardinals and finches that frequented her feeders, finding joy in their daily activities. If she couldn't hear the songs of the birds, she could be found lending an ear to some Don Messer Jubilee. Those old tunes brought a smile to her face and set her toes tapping every time. When Mom was able, the first fiddle note would send her dancing wherever she was; the living room, the mall...perhaps even the parking lot. There was no holding her back once the bow was on the strings! Our Mom was an uplifting and unrelenting force, loving us all fiercely and supporting us throughout our lives. James, Penny & I are heartbroken, but grateful and blessed to have had her as our wonderful Mom. Forever in our hearts. She is survived by her three children, who loved her and appreciated her all the days of their lives, James Banks, Waterville; Penny Banks Foster (Glenn Foster), Penobsquis, NB; Margo Banks Langille (Jamie Langille) Williamswood, NS. The best part of being a parent was the opportunity to become a Grammie! Loving their grandmother, and remembering her sweet giggle, famous cinnamon rolls and little dances around the house are, Carlie Langille (Dominic Bergeron), Wokingham, UK; Piper Langille (Adel Guerroudj), Dieppe, NB; and Jack Langille, Waterloo, ON. A precious addition to the family and considered the most 'precious and perfect child' each time she Facetimed with him or saw his picture, was great-grandson, Remy Bergeron Langille, Wokingham, UK. She may not have met this little addition to our family, but she loved him and would have loved to cuddle him A Lot. As well, she is survived by her loving sister, Mary Andrews, of Cambridge, ON. The wonderful stories these delightful sisters shared when together were non-stop and better than most books ever published. Many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, will miss their Aunt Eva - she loved them all. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, John Banks. Very likely Mom traded her fuzzy slippers for some spectacular high heels, and she and Dad are having a great laugh as they Promenade. As well, she was predeceased by her parents, Alice (Bambrick) & Henry Killen; sisters, Una Sibley and Lois MacIntyre; brothers, Ross Killen, Cecil Killen, Melvin Killen & Owen Killen. We picture her catching up with her beloved family, laughter and tears aplenty. Heartfelt thanks to Mom's personal care team, Kelly & Kelsey, who cared for mom daily for the past almost eight years. Your dedication to her well-being - on all levels - went above and beyond our largest hopes for our Mama. Thank you. Sincere thanks to the team at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville Emergency Department for their care of mom during her final days, and for their guidance and kindness towards her grieving children. A Service in Celebration of Eva's Life was held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21, in Waterville & District Volunteer Fire Department (Cornwallis Square Village Hall) 1415 County Home Road, Cambridge, and a time of reception followed until 4 p.m. Rev. Donald MacPherson officiated, (with an interment in Berwick Cemetery).

A second graveside service & interment will take place at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23 , in St. Andrew's United Church Cemetery, 36 Elderbank Back Road, Elderbank, Halifax Co. Rev. Allan Lynk officiating, with a reception to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mom's memory to The Alzheimer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Lung Association or to any charity of your choice. Or take a moment to enjoy the sun in your face and a bird on the wing while keeping a song in your heart. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com