Sharon M. Banks

West Sand Lake -Sharon M. Banks, 74, of Chamberlin Hill Road Extension, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long illness.

Born in Troy, Sharon was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Sophie Malik Winnicki and the devoted wife of 53 years to Michael K. Banks.

A lifelong resident of Rensselaer County, Sharon grew up on Chamberlin Hill Road and graduated from Columbia High School in 1969. She earned an associate degree in Medical Sciences from Hudson Valley Community College. After marrying, she and Mike lived in Nassau for 17 years before building their dream home on her family’s farm.

Sharon worked as a business manager for several local firms, including Tech Valley Engineering, Glynn Spillane Griffing Architects, and Crozier Associates. Known for her reliability and steady professionalism, she built lasting friendships through her work.

Deeply involved in her community, Sharon volunteered with the East Greenbush Education Foundation, led Girl Scout troops, supported the East Greenbush Schools PTA, and taught religious education at St. Mary’s Church in Nassau, where she was a longtime communicant. She was also a member of the Nassau Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

At home, Sharon found joy in her pets and gardens, tending to her flowers with the same care she gave to the people around her. She loved her family and stayed in close contact with her very large extended family and friends from all stages of her life, opening their home to many.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Sophie Winnicki, and her sister-in-law, Regina Winnicki.

She is survived by her husband, Michael; daughter, Denise Champion (Graham) of Denver, CO; son, Michael K. Banks Jr. (Vreneli) of West Sand Lake; brother, Joseph Winnicki of West Sand Lake; sister, Kasha Winnicki (Tom Cook) of Charlotte, NC; and her grandchildren, Sophie and Lucy Champion of Denver and Cooper Banks of West Sand Lake. She also leaves behind many cherished in-laws and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Sharon’s family from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park.

Memorial contributions in Sharon’s name may be made to The Community Hospice, Gift Processing, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or online at https://www.communityhospice.org/donate

For directions and online condolences, please visit www.perrykomdat.com