Claudette Lesleigh Banks

Claudette Lesleigh Banks (7 Feb 1979 - 2 Dec 2025)

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https://www.ssdcs.org.uk/claudette-banks

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Location
St Peter's Church 4 Church Street Hartshorne DE11 7ER
Date
7th Jan 2026
Time
10.30am
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Location
Bretby Crematorium Cedar Chapel Geary Lane Bretby DE15 0QE
Date
7th Jan 2026
Time
12pm

Location
Burton Golf Club Bretby DE15 OPS
Date
7th Jan 2026
Time
12.30pm

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In loving memory of Claudette Lesleigh Banks who sadly passed away on 2nd December 2025

A Life of Quiet Brilliance and Fierce Devotion
Claudie lived with a rare combination of gentleness and determination. She never needed to be the loudest voice in the room; her presence was felt through her actions, her integrity, and the unwavering care she offered to others. Her life was defined by purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to the people she loved and the children she served.

Her Calling as a Teacher of the Deaf
Teaching was never just a job for Claudie—it was her calling. As a Teacher of the Deaf, she dedicated herself to ensuring that every child she worked with felt seen, supported, and capable. She championed disadvantaged children with quiet ferocity, always prepared, always thorough, and always unwilling to let any child be left behind. Her colleagues admired her standards; her students felt her belief in them. Her impact will continue to echo through the lives she helped shape.

A Family Built on Love
Family was at the centre of everything Claudie did. When she and Robert built their blended family, she embraced Lottie with the same wholehearted love she later poured into Daniel and Freddie. She never distinguished between “step” and “biological”—to her, family was chosen every day through patience, humour, and devotion.
She was a soulmate, a partner, and a steadying force. Together, she and Robert created a home filled with warmth, music, and the kind of everyday tenderness that becomes a legacy.

Her Character and Her Light
Claudie was known for her meticulous nature—her lists, her planning, her thoughtful touches. She approached life with care and intention, balancing her thoroughness with a dry wit and a soft, grounding humour. She stood up for what mattered, loved without hesitation, and carried herself with quiet strength.
Her values were simple and unwavering: love deeply, protect the vulnerable, do things properly, and never lose sight of what truly matters.

Her Lasting Legacy
Claudie’s influence lives on in the children she taught, the colleagues she inspired, and the family she shaped with such devotion. It lives in Daniel and Freddie’s kindness, in Lottie’s resilience, and in the stories and memories that continue to be shared.
Her life was not defined by its length, but by its depth—by the countless small acts of love, advocacy, and care that changed the lives around her.

She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

Please note;
It was Claudie's wish that her funeral should be a time of happy reflection and remembrance. Therefore, she wanted everyone to wear bright colours instead of black. She wanted everyone to remember her with a smile, to be grateful for her life, and not focus on the sadness of her passing. Oh and if you have anything with ladybirds on, that'd also be good too.

Tina Cutting wrote

To my beautiful friend. We did not see each other often but when we did it was lovely. The thing is we just lived across the way from each other . You always parked your car on the front of my house some days I would message you to say I have saved you a spot . You are the most lovely person to talk to and you always had a smile on your face I will never forget how we met and our chats was so different from everyone else. Your baking was outstanding. And your love for your family was so beautiful you told me how much you love your boys and family your heart was full . And the work you did for other peoples children you loved your job and the job loved you . I could go on for along time putting lots of beautiful words down . But I will stop here and leave you a ladybug 🐞 you loved them . I will never forget you my dear friend keep being you love you 💕

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Tina Cutting lit a candle
Kirsty Harper lit a candle
Nadia Fourie lit a candle
Elize du Plessis lit a candle
Uwe Bothur lit a candle
Emma Ilic lit a candle
Emma Hancox lit a candle
Alanna Scarrott is attending the funeral and the reception
Donna Emery wrote

Claudette we worked together as Teachers of the Deaf, you were and always will be a shining star. We always had a giggle together. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

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Donna Emery lit a candle
Elaine Harlin lit a candle
Sarah Vaughan is attending the funeral
Sarah Vaughan lit a candle
Christine Gardner lit a candle
Leigh Camilleri wrote

Although we cannot be there to celebrate your life tomorrow Claudie, the Camilleri’s in Australia will be lighting a candle to honour the most beautiful soul whose life ended far too soon. We send our love and condolences at this difficult time and are thinking of you all.

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Holly Village is attending the funeral
Kate Haines, Katie Clifford Anna Moss wrote

Claudette was a colleague of ours at New Road Primary School. She provided us with support, laughter, and her famous waffle-berry pudding. She will always be remembered for the joy she brought to the classroom and her creativity in helping children learn.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Claudette’s passing, particularly for her young family and for all those who loved her. We know, however, that her legacy of love will live on in everyone she met. Claudette, we will remember you with love in our hearts and smiles on our faces.

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Siân Davies is attending the funeral and the reception
Debbie Thomas is attending the funeral and the reception
Debbie Thomas lit a candle
Rachel Rosen lit a candle
Angela Atfield lit a candle
Angela Atfield posted a picture
Claudie and Roberts wedding day. Special friends altogether. Xx

Claudie and Roberts wedding day. Special friends altogether. Xx

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Angela Atfield posted a picture
Claudies 30th bash in Borsal xx

Claudies 30th bash in Borsal xx

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Angela Atfield is attending the funeral and the reception
Nicola Cooper is attending the funeral
Tom Geater is attending the funeral and the reception
Paula Slack posted a picture
We met up with Claudie and her family when they came down to see Legoland. Was lovely catching up and our children meeting and getting on.

We met up with Claudie and her family when they came down to see Legoland. Was lovely catching up and our children meeting and getting on.

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Paula Slack lit a candle
Claudette Lesleigh Banks Claudie and Roberts wedding day. Special friends altogether. Xx

Claudie and Roberts wedding day. Special friends altogether. Xx

Claudies 30th bash in Borsal xx

Claudies 30th bash in Borsal xx

We met up with Claudie and her family when they came down to see Legoland. Was lovely catching up and our children meeting and getting on.

We met up with Claudie and her family when they came down to see Legoland. Was lovely catching up and our children meeting and getting on.

New years 2023 ❤️

New years 2023 ❤️

Claudette and me at my 60th birthday party on 29th July 2024. She looked beautiful with her long shiny hair, pretty dress and big smile! Claudette was such a genuinely kind person and I shall miss our chats and giggles. Sleep in peace my friend xx

Claudette and me at my 60th birthday party on 29th July 2024. She looked beautiful with her long shiny hair, pretty dress and big smile! Claudette was such a genuinely kind person and I shall miss our chats and giggles. Sleep in peace my friend xx

Claudette and I started our friendship when we both started teaching at New Road. She was always so kind and considerate 💕 Always thinking of others. And when I had Jude (my son)she was always there to help me. A true gem. Photo was her baby shower.

Claudette and I started our friendship when we both started teaching at New Road. She was always so kind and considerate 💕 Always thinking of others. And when I had Jude (my son)she was always there to help me. A true gem. Photo was her baby shower.

The Queen of cake and the Queen of kindness. Always knew it was Christmas when I received one of these beauties xxx

The Queen of cake and the Queen of kindness. Always knew it was Christmas when I received one of these beauties xxx

Posting on behalf of Rekiya Kausar: She made this beautiful cake for my daughters 18th birthday, she even delivered it to me at home and wouldn’t take a penny for all her efforts ❤️

Posting on behalf of Rekiya Kausar: She made this beautiful cake for my daughters 18th birthday, she even delivered it to me at home and wouldn’t take a penny for all her efforts ❤️

Claudette and my daughter Martha - December 2014

Claudette and my daughter Martha - December 2014

Claudie as the team hockey goal keeper - Newspaper insert. Will try find better photos x

Claudie as the team hockey goal keeper - Newspaper insert. Will try find better photos x

Claudie at her Matric Farewell - bottom pic - insert from local Newspaper

Claudie at her Matric Farewell - bottom pic - insert from local Newspaper

Merita's 21st!

Merita's 21st!

My beautiful friend - July 2024

My beautiful friend - July 2024

Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Homemade pizza! So delicious. Summer 2023

Homemade pizza! So delicious. Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Summer 2023

Sudbury Hall - Summer 2013

Sudbury Hall - Summer 2013

Helping Lottie with a game at the baby shower.

Helping Lottie with a game at the baby shower.

Daniel’s baby shower

Daniel’s baby shower

Jarrod and Cailyn’s Christening day - August 2011

Jarrod and Cailyn’s Christening day - August 2011

Portugal - January/February 2006

Portugal - January/February 2006

Ski holiday in Bulgaria - February 2006

Ski holiday in Bulgaria - February 2006

Always a natural with babies.

Always a natural with babies.

Helping me with my first baby - March 2009

Helping me with my first baby - March 2009

Baby shower games! - February 2009

Baby shower games! - February 2009

A beautiful bride.

A beautiful bride.

Such a stunning bridesmaid. April 2005

Such a stunning bridesmaid. April 2005

So excited to see snow!

So excited to see snow!

Pretoria University formal dinner - September 2001

Pretoria University formal dinner - September 2001

Graduation day - April 2002

Graduation day - April 2002

Pretoria University - May 2000

Pretoria University - May 2000

80s party - Feb 2011

80s party - Feb 2011

80s party - February 2011

80s party - February 2011

April 2011 - ChristChurch Infants

April 2011 - ChristChurch Infants

June’s retirement party - July 2010

June’s retirement party - July 2010

World book day - March 2011

World book day - March 2011

World book day at Christchurch primary school x

World book day at Christchurch primary school x

ChristChurch meet up at Rosliston - April 2024

ChristChurch meet up at Rosliston - April 2024

Building Snowmen before school and at lunchtime at ChristChurch Infants

Building Snowmen before school and at lunchtime at ChristChurch Infants

A night out in Ashby celebrating our birthdays

A night out in Ashby celebrating our birthdays

At June’s Retirement party

At June’s Retirement party

Visiting Claudie and Daniel at home in July 2017. She was reading a book that I had given him, written by a South African friend of mine.

Visiting Claudie and Daniel at home in July 2017. She was reading a book that I had given him, written by a South African friend of mine.

Me and my sisters at my wedding Claudie helping with all my worries, while in the UK.

Me and my sisters at my wedding Claudie helping with all my worries, while in the UK.