It is with broken hearts that we share with you the passing of our beautiful, most precious Babette Renee Banducci (Gilman) on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.

Babette was born at Travis AFB on Nov. 25, 1962, to Larry Wayne Gilman and Ilona Sharon Gilman (McCrary). She was the third of three daughters, following eldest sister Cristy Lynn and sister Michele Patrice. 

Babette grew up in Coeur d’Alene after the family moved here in the late '60s. Encouraged by her father to channel her boundless energy, she spent much of her youth dancing — ballet, jazz, tap, etc. Babette’s caring heart shone through early on — at age 5, she saved and nurtured a bird back to health, an act of kindness picked up by the local newspaper. As a child, she loved animals, adventures, making friends and the “fancy” Schwinn bike she saved up for and rode everywhere. Her sense of adventure lasted her lifetime, as did a great many of her friendships.  

In the late 1970s and very early 1980s, Babette enjoyed working as a scorekeeper for Cd'A Parks and Recreation. She also worked part time at Cloud Nine (now The Cd'A Resort), where she was the only female busser at the time. Her bright disposition and excellent customer service meant she was often requested by patrons.

Babette lived in Fruitland, Idaho, for two years while working for the Idaho State Parks and Recreation. It was during that time she was baptized at the Church of Christ. Immediately after, Babette called her mama to tell her she was baptized. She was so excited and all in for Jesus! Babette would continue her work for the Idaho States Parks Department in Coeur d’Alene with her mother-in-law, Sherry Banducci.

Babette met Todd Michael Banducci at Lakes Middle School in the fall of 1977. She was a cute cheerleader, and Todd tried to win her heart by helping her in algebra class. They attended the senior ball, which jumpstarted their love for dancing together. Family lore includes a humorous story of Todd bringing her roses and watching her dance in "The Nutcracker." She still had his card after all these years! Babette had one major condition for marriage: Todd must join her in faith and be baptized. She and Todd were wed June 10, 1985, 12 days after he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the day after he was baptized. Todd’s military career took them from Colorado to Spokane to Ohio to Colorado until they landed back in Coeur d’Alene for a good while, raising children along the way. With a can-do attitude and dutiful spirit, Babette was there for all of it. June 2025 would mark their 40th wedding anniversary.

Babette is survived by a wealth of friends and family. Notably:

Husband Todd; son Paul Banducci and his wife, Mary; and children Amaressa, Silas and Lukas (due in March); son Marcus Banducci and his wife, Samantha; mother Ilona Sharon Gilman; sister Cristy and her husband, Rob Turnipseed; sister Michele Gilman; nephew Dylan Patrick and his wife, Sass; uncle James Rees; and father-in-law Ted Banducci.

Babette consistently assumed an incredibly supportive role for her whole family. From backing her husband’s military career to joining him in fly fishing to encouraging her sons’ endeavors as well as her grandchildren’s pursuits, Babette brought the (occasionally tough) love. She and Todd both delighted in their two grandchildren and together, were greatly looking forward to a third grandchild on the way this spring! She had a knack for playing host. Many a friend and family member found an open door, homemade food and a comfortable place in her home, sometimes for an extended duration. She often volunteered, serving in a variety of capacities and positions over the years. She was passionate about moving her body through dance, sign language, walking and teaching Body Balance for the last 14 years at Peak Fitness. Babette loved the color purple and collecting heart rocks during any and every camping, hiking and creek adventure. Priest Lake held a special place in her heart.  

The most important thing in Babette’s life was her relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ. In recent years, Babette developed a deep love for Israel and cherished the moments she shared, traveling there with Todd. Such trips fulfilled her love of adventure and her appreciation of Christ’s legacy. In honor of this, in lieu of sending flowers/gifts/tokens to the memorial, please consider donating so that others may be blessed with such a trip. Contributions can be made to a fund dedicated to sending someone to Israel through Candlelight Christian Fellowship. To give, please write a check to Candlelight with "Babette Banducci Fund" in the memo line or donate online at www.candlelight.org, click "Online Giving Through Kindrid," then click "OTHER" and type "Babette Banducci Fund" in the designated field.

The memorial is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at Candlelight Christian Fellowship. Our family welcomes and appreciates your prayers. 

Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

    Banducci