Gail E. (Kibbe) Banning

Gail Elizabeth (Kibbe) Banning, 88, passed away May 10, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 3, 1936 in Stafford Springs, CT to the late Carl and Mary (Jarvis) Kibbe, she lived in Hampden her entire life and moved back to her family homestead in the 1980s. Gail was a long time member of the Federated Community Church. Gail was a graduate of Trade High School. For many years, Gail worked as a hairdresser, owning and operating Gail's Beauty Salon out of her home in Hampden. During her years raising her family, she was very involved as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. After moving back to her homestead she became an avid gardener with the help of her father (Pa). She took great pride in the vegetables she grew, selling them at her roadside stand. Gail's greatest joy came from her role as a Nana. She was a constant presence in their lives, helping to care for them and being a part of all of their activities. 

She leaves her children, William Levakis, Jr. of Hampden and Sheila Murphy and her husband Brian of Hampden; her step children, Bruce Banning (Cheryl) and Brian Banning; her brothers, Carl Kibbe, Jr. and Ronald Kibbe; her partner of over 30 years, Richard LeBel; her grandchildren, Tara (Stephen), Emily, Kayla, Melanie, Mallorie (Chad), Kristal, Rebecca, and Sarah (Jake), and her great-grandchildren, Aiden, Emery, Eddie, Johnnie, Marla, SK, Ryan, Connor, and 1 on the way. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, James Banning and her step son James Banning Jr. Special thank you to all of Gail’s caretakers over the years that helped keep Gail in her family home and especially in her final days. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10:00am at Federated Community Church, 590 Main St, Hampden, MA followed by interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Hampden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to Federated Community Church, 590 Main St, Hampden, MA 01036. To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com. 

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