THOMASTON- Marilyn (Weymer) Banche, 72, passed away Sunday September 1, 2024 after a prolonged illness. She was the beloved wife of Francis “Fran” Banche.
Marilyn was born December 14, 1951, daughter of the late Russell and Aldonia “Donna” (Blazys) Weymer. Marilyn graduated from Watertown High School in 1969. She worked for Southern New England Telephone Company in Waterbury until she became a proud full-time mom.
Once her children were in school, Marilyn started her 38-year career working for the Thomaston Board of Education, where she was Thomaston’s favorite lunch lady. She and Fran spent their afternoons attending all their kid’s sports events, band performances and anything else the kids did. After her retirement in 2021, she became an avid walker at Nystrom’s Park with her walking buddies. When her grandchildren were older, she made it a point to attend their baseball games, theatre performances and cheer events. She was a proud Grandma. Marilyn loved attending car shows with Fran showing off their 1960’s classic cars while enjoying singing the oldies with their car show friends. They would often drive separate cars competing against each other. Invariably, they’d come home with trophies. Marilyn spent many summers at Lake Winnemaug and at Misquamicut Beach with her sisters, brother, and their families. She was a competitor in the family card game “Oh Hell”, or happily played, for hours, Old Maid or Crazy Eights with her grandchildren or great-nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Villages at East Farms for caring for her, especially Michael and Paige, whom Marilyn adored.
Besides her husband Fran of 54 years, Marilyn is survived by her daughter Janice (Jamie) Smith of Grafton, MA and son Scott (Kellie) Banche of Torrington, CT. Sisters include: Beth Ann (Weymer) Rossi (Steve) of Roanoke, VA; Kathleen (Weymer) McNamee (Jim) of Claverack, NY; Jeanne Weymer of Thomaston, CT and Ginny (Banche) Julian (Kenny) of Watertown, CT. Marilyn’s greatest treasures aside from her children were her grandchildren: Julia, Sean and Patrick McGlynn, Kyle and Kara Banche. She also had 2 bonus grandchildren Kyle and Grace Smith. Marilyn had many adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Marilyn was predeceased by her sister Sharon (Weymer) DeMatteis, and brother Gary Weymer.
Friends are invited to call from 5-7 p.m. on Friday September 6, 2024, at Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St. All other services are private and at the convenience of the family.
