Janet Mary Basile

Colonie-Janet Basile was born in Albany, NY on June 23 1934, to Nora and James Smith. On May 6, 2012, surrounded by Joe, her husband and her family, she slipped the bonds of this Earth and peacefully said goodbye at age 77. After fighting cancer with grace, courage and humor, she passed without pain, without struggle, in her own room, and on her own terms. Her illness was a formidable opponent but she never let it define her. She leaves behind a universe of smiles and memories and a circle of love that ripples through the world. She attended Blessed Sacrament school and graduated from Vincentian Institute in 1952. Janet and Joe were married on May 30, 1953 and remained happily so for the nearly 59 years until her passing. Janet worked for the NY Telephone Company, Sears & Roebuck, Dr. Robert Faust, and finally, as office administrator for pediatrician and friend, Dr. Suhasini Pinapati. While she loved her work, and those she cared for there, the center of her life was not work, but love, especially for her family. They were her life’s work, her passion, and her riches. She loved nothing more than playing host to family and friends, whether in her kitchen, by the pool, or by the ocean in Wells Beach, Maine, her family vacation paradise. The laughter of others was music to Janet’s ears, and her own laughter was as contagious as any ever heard. Janet is survived by her husband Joseph N. Basile, and her children, Michael (Vivian) Basile of East Greenbush, Peggy Dralle of Colonie, Stephen Basile of Austin, Texas, Donna (Tim) Murphy of Colonie and Toni (Ted) Burke, of Loudonville. She is also survived by the six grandchildren who brightened her every waking moment, and whom she loved so very dearly: Tim, Packy, and Brendan Murphy, Ted and Andy Burke and Meghan Dralle. Janet is also survived by her brothers Robert (Edna) Smith and Norman Smith, many dear friends, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and so many friends who felt like family. Her father James, her mother, Nora and brother Jim died before her, as did her near-sister and best friend, Mary Smith. Janet truly loved and bonded with her doctor, Dr. Nini Wu. She received the most comprehensive and compassionate medical care from Dr. Wu and the entire NYOH team. The nursing staff at St. Peter’s (especially 5 McAuley) treated her as if she was their only patient; and the Albany Memorial ICU and 4th floor staff, made her last hospitalization as comfortable and pleasant as could be. The Community Hospice staff are special angels on Earth. Their loving care, advice and support helped in ways that our family could never have anticipated. Friends and family may call between 4 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. A Mass and celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, where she was a lifelong communicant. Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Janet loved to feed everyone. She also loved her parish and told us she wanted to volunteer at the new food pantry there as soon as she felt stronger. To honor her, and to help Fr. Bradley in her absence, memorial contributions may be sent to The Food Pantry at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Janet Mary Basile

June 23, 1934 - May 6, 2012