Shirley Ann (Banko) Felice

Shirley Ann Banko-Felice entered eternity on July 9, 2023. She was born to loving parents, Michael and Anna Banko on July 25,1936, 87 years ago, in a tiny village called West Pittsburgh, Pa. She had a wonderful childhood and referred to her memories there often. She graduated from New Castle High School and attended Youngstown University where she met her beloved Domenick. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer and was hired by Goodyear and they moved to Akron where their life together began.
They immediately joined Immaculate Conception Church where she became greatly involved. She served in most ministries of the church. She was involved in/lead retreat teams such as Heart to Heart, Christ renews His Parish, Care Givers Retreats, Life in the Spirit, Generations of Faith, the Summer Tent Assembly and several Healing retreats. She served on the Board of Loyola Retreat House for 14 years and lead the hospitality team there.
At age 42 Shirley went back to school to become an LPN and then later to school to become a Licensed Massotherapist. This lead to the start of her own business called "The Healing Touch". Many spiritual and physical healings occurred in her care. This was a job she absolutely loved...taking care of people and allowing God to work through her hands. It was a sad time when she had to stop due to physical inability.
Shirley was also quite the poet, singer and song writer. She played the guitar and held many Praise and Worship services, praising God whenever she could. She was perceived as a "Gathering Woman". She sang in the choir at church for many years and they called themselves "Mother Mary Music Makers". Many of her songs live on today through the choir. She was proud to hold a fund raiser Concert for a friend who was to have a bone marrow transplant which raised $2,200.
She also created and received a Patton on a special and beautiful vessel called "Promises of Prayer" that holds your prayers as you pray with her beautiful song and lighted candle to lift your prayers to the Lord. They continue to be used in many churches and retreats today. She was a prayer warrior for all.
Above all, Shirley loved her family first. A shocking and very sad time of their life came with the death of their son, Christopher in 1986. This lead Shirley on a spiritual journey like no other and she became the most spiritual person we know today sharing her love for God with all of us.
She now joins her parents, beloved husband, Domenick, her cherished brother, Michael Banko Jr, and three loved nephews, David and Max Rossi and Godson Michael Banko III.
She leaves behind her "precious" daughters Cory Schulz (Charlie), and Lisa Roeger (Ed), her beautiful and most loved grandchildren Madeline Nicole Fetzer (Robert), and Domenick Charles Schulz (Danielle), and her loving sister-in-law, Regina Banko, and many nieces and nephews. She had so many wonderful and cherished friends that she loved and loved her. We know all will miss her.
To us, she was the best Wife, Mother and Grandmother anyone could have. We will always keep her in our hearts and never forget her. She touched many lives and especially ours.
Mom, we live in hope to some day see you and all our loved ones again in eternity . We love you.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, August 12 at 11:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2101 17th St SW Akron 44314. The family will receive friends starting at 10 AM. Burial will immediatley follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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