Penny Dufrene Banks

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Penny Dufrene Banks, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She departed this world peacefully on July 24, 2026, just two days before her 64th birthday, after a remarkably courageous sixteen-year battle with ovarian cancer. Penny’s strength, kindness, and compassion leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Born on July 26, 1962, Penny was the cherished wife of 41 years to Murphy Banks, who alongside their children, Kasie Banks and Korey Hight (Austin), held her hand through life's triumphs and challenges with unwavering support. She adored her two grandchildren, Murphy and Hayes Hight, who filled her life with so much joy and happiness. Penny is survived by her loving mother, Hilda Dufrene; her siblings, Donald Dufrene Jr. (Paulette), Cathy Weinberg (Donnie), Tommy Dufrene, Jane Torres (Derek), and Joan Beirs, and her brothers-in-law, David (Sandra) and Don (Lori) Banks; preceded in death by her father, Donald Dufrene Sr., mother and father-in-law, Jo Ann and David Banks, and brother-in-law, Troy Beirs, Sr. Her memory is also cherished by many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, extended family members, and close friends.

Penny’s life was distinguished by a lifelong devotion to healing and helping others. She began her education at Charity Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1985, and later earned both her Bachelor of Science (1999) and Master of Science in Nursing (2000) from the University of Phoenix. She touched countless lives during her nursing career at West Jefferson Medical Center, Westbank Ambulatory Care Center, St. Charles Specialty Hospital, and especially at St. Charles Surgical Hospital and the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, where her leadership skills and nursing experience helped to open the facility back in 2006. She spent the last two decades working at the organization, most recently in the role of Hospital Administrator. Penny’s influence was celebrated and acknowledged by her community, including recognition as a Health Care Hero Nurse by New Orleans City Business in 2011 and a Cancer Crusaders Honoree in 2012.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff of St. Charles Surgical Hospital and the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery for their ongoing support, and to the medical professionals who helped care for Penny throughout her journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Penny’s honor to the cancer charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 3600 Claire Ave, Gretna, LA 70053, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, and inurnment at Hook & Ladder Cemetery, 1050 Lafayette St, Gretna, LA 70053, beginning at 12:30 PM.