Muriel Leonora Banquer, 90, of New Haven died at home on Tuesday October 3, 2017. She was the widow of Earl Banquer. Born in New Haven, CT on April 14, 1927 to Harry and Pauline Gurian. She was a graduate of the second class of the University of Connecticut's School of Nursing in 1948. In the 1980's she earned her Master's Degree in Social Work and provided outreach and education for the elderly as a staff member of the Consultation Center of the Connecticut Mental Health Center. Recognizing a growing need in the community, she started the program Grandparents Raising Grandchildren as a support tool for grandparents who were raising their grandchildren. Upon her retirement at age 75, a lecture series was established in her honor. Survivors include her sons David (Cheryl) Banquer of Alabama, Jonathan Banquer of CA, granddaughter Melinda (James) Blanch and two beloved great-grandchildren Jana and James. She was predeceased by a son Daniel and his wife Barbara.
Service in the Weller Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Ave., New Haven Monday morning at 11. Interment in the B'nai Jacob Memorial Park, Wintergreen Ave., New Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to either The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven or Beth El Kesser Israel.