Barbara Basile

"Oh balls, picnics, and parties...,” Barbara J. Basile, 91, of Cato passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, after a brief stay at Seneca Hill Manor in Oswego.

Barb was known for her big personality and colorful quips, her larger than life Stampin' Up collection, and for being a true friend who would always tell it like it is.

She retired in 1991 after working for 23 years as a group leader from Crouse Hinds in Syracuse, then spent 20+ years working as a clerk for her cousin, Dean D. Cummins Auctions. She loved flowers, making greeting cards, watching Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, western omelets, listening to game shows and the ever-lovely Daniel O’Donnell as loud as possible, and most of all, being with her family, friends, and neighbors.

Barb was always on the move, as Frank would say “it takes her 20 minutes to get somewhere, but all day to get home!” If you knew Barb, you knew that Sunday mornings were reserved for breakfast with her friends.  We never knew where that might be from week to week but “come hell or high water” she'd walk in and everyone knew her, and if they didn’t, they were about to! “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

We do want to apologize to all of you that had the pleasure of riding in the car with Barb... She introduced us all to the two footed driving technique, the "never take a left turn" safety measure, and her many “suggestions" on how to get where you're going most efficiently!

We are incredibly thankful for Barb's special friends (you know who you are!) who have helped immensely over the years, and we want to express our gratitude for them.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 68 years Frank; a daughter Joy Basile and her grandson Keaton Trevena. Barbara is survived by her son Michael (Cindy) Basile of Georgia; a daughter Laura (Jim) Trevena of Florida; Grandchildren Kaley Basile, Colin Basile, and Kendyl (Alex Jones) Trevena; Step-Grandchildren Molly (Trey) Parker, Barry (Sunshine) McGill, Robby (Laura) McGill; Her brothers-in-law Kenneth Basile and Nick (Ginny) Basile; Her cousin Dean Cummins; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Barb's life will be held at the Ira Fire Department, Route 176 in Cato on Sunday, August 25th from 11am to 1pm, all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barb's honor to the Ira Fire Department, 12591 Route 176, Cato, NY 13033. Foster Funeral Home has care of arrangements.

To know Barb was to love her. She was always the life of the party, she hated to be sad, and she lived each day to make someone else’s life better. And as she always said, “It is what it is.”

Love you Mom/Grandma