Clare Dorene Sands went home to Heaven on Sunday, November 27th, 2011 at the Wellsville Manor Nursing Home after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. Clare was born May 12, 1950 in Reading, PA to O. Ray Bankes III and Mary (Wagner) Bankes.
Clare is survived by her children Michael Bankes of Bisbee, AZ, Astara Sottosanti of Temple, PA, Marsden Brooks of Orlando, FL, Andrea Reyes of Bisbee, AZ, Arianna Reyes of Portland, OR and Kea Bankes of Alfred, NY; mother Mary Chestnut of Bisbee, AZ; sisters Bonnie Harrison of Rexville, NY and Renee Merkel of Shillington, PA; brothers Mark Bankes of Womelsdorf, PA and Aaron Bankes of Bisbee, AZ; grandchildren Anton, Avianna, Christopher and Lily, 11 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father and infant sister, Rosemary.
Clare was an amazing artist and was known for finding the beauty in all things. She displayed her artwork at the David Howe Library in Wellsville, NY. She loved making paper, gardening, nature, music, art, etc. and being surrounded by family. She had a strong faith in God and will be remembered dearly for her expression of love she shared with so many.
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A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday December 10th 2011 at the Bender-Brown and Powers Funeral Home 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell New York.