Mary Ann Banko

Mary Ann Banko Of Susquehanna, PA Mary Ann Banko, 65 of Susquehanna, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Barnes-Kasson Hospital in Susquehanna, PA. She is predeceased by her parents James Patrick & Anna Marie (Strohlein) McAnulty; and sister-in-law Stacy Mae McAnulty. Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 33 years James Edward Banko II; children James Edward Banko III, Jonathan Michael Banko and Justin Patrick & Nicole R. Banko; grandson Finn Audric Banko; siblings James P. & Anna P. McAnulty, Peter A. & Jean M. McAnulty, Paul L. & Carol L. McAnulty, Kathleen T. (McAnulty) & Alan B. Hertzberg, John J. & Juana M. McAnulty, Colleen M. (McAnulty) & Michael P. Plonski and Kevin M. McAnulty; Mother and Father-in-law James Edward & Frances Ann Banko; Brothers-in-law Francis Patrick & Margaret Kenney Banko and Christopher Jason Banko; eighteen nieces and nephews; and nine great nieces and nephews. Mary Ann graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY in 1979. She was the first native Long Island woman to graduate the academy. Her sea-going career spanned 8.5 years aboard oil tankers as a second and third mate with Exxon Shipping Company. Over the years, she upgraded her United States Coast Guard license to Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage Ocean and Master of Freight and Towing. Mary Ann was also a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Merchant Marine Individual Ready Reserve. Mary Ann loved to travel and visited her siblings when they were on assignments around the world. She married shortly after coming ashore for the last time and was a devoted wife and mother. She worked tirelessly assisting James, Jonathan and Justin with mastering their studies. Mary Ann was very active with the local Scouting program and held positions as Den Leader and provided support for the advancement of the young Scouts and as Treasurer. She took part in many outdoor events such as hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking and rock climbing. Her support led her three sons to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Mary Ann enjoyed the outdoors and engaged in gardening, touring, sailing, snorkeling, paddle sports, crabbing, letterboxing, craft projects, auto repairs and building a home from the ground up. Mary Ann invested countless hours researching the family genealogy and discovered branches of the family tree that continue to propagate today around the world. Mary Ann was your best friend, your travel companion, your extra set of hands and was always ready to come to your aid. A Celebration of Mary Ann's Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 11am at St. John's Church, 15 E. Church St. Susquehanna, PA. A reception at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton will follow. One of our goals for the reception is to collect stories for The Book of Mary Ann we are compiling for grandson Finn and future generations. We are requesting that friends and family document in writing their special memories of Mary Ann. Please RSVP to endlessmtnsfarm@juno.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pro-Life Ministry at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 15 E. Church Street, Susquehanna, PA 18847.