Doris Frances Basel

Born: June 18, 1924; in Wilburton, OK

Died: August 15, 2019; in Aurora, IL

Doris Frances Basel passed away peacefully Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Aurora, Illinois surrounded by her loving family. Doris was born June 18, 1924 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Paul and Mary Gris. After the loss of her father, a coal miner, her two oldest sisters moved to Illinois to pave the way for her mother and family's transfer to Chicago. Doris met her future husband, of 50 years, Harold F. Basel and married on April 21, 1951, in Chicago. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, on August 4, 2002.

In 1961, the family, now including four daughters, moved to McHenry, Illinois, where she resided until 2013. In McHenry, Doris learned how to drive, lovingly cared for her family, along with working full time. She retired from McHenry Hospital in 1989. She was a hard worker and loved to serve and cook for her family and friends. Doris was known for her excellent Sunday dinners and delicious baked goods. Her signature banana nut bread, often served as thank you gifts to helpful neighbors and family.

She was a faithful member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in McHenry, IL and loved sitting up front where she could hear the sermon.

Family was most important to Doris and she loved spending every minute she could with her children and grandchildren.

Doris will forever be remembered for her humble, servant's heart. She took every opportunity to help those in need. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her four daughters: Donna (William) Smith, Wonder Lake, IL; Jane (Paul) Callahan, Downers Grove, IL; Shirley (Kevin) Kennedy, Sugar Grove, IL; and Sandy (James) Mathey, Woodstock, IL; 11 grandchildren: Brian (Laurie) Smith; Rebecca (David) Heckman; David (Jenna) McCafferty; Nick (Chrissy) Mathey; Brandon (Illyse) Kennedy; Jillian (Stan) Gradomski; Megan (Rebin) Shah; Mark Kennedy; Thomas Callahan; William (Grace) McCafferty; Julie Kennedy; 21 great grandchildren: Sidney, Tristan, Brendan, and Kaylee Smith, Garrett and Grant Heckman, Ella and Bryce McCafferty, Hannah, Avery, Teagan, and Nicholas Jr. Mathey, Camilla and Levi Kennedy, Megan, Chandler, Ashton, Brayden and Liliana Gradomski, Ian and Emmy McCafferty.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Gris, infant grandson, Craig Michael Smith; five sisters: Monica Gris, Verna (Casey) Leonard, Helen Gris, Pauline (Joseph) Urbanick, and her twin, Dorothy (Phil) Klapicz; two brothers: Paul Gris and Joseph (Lorraine) Gris.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, from 10 am until 1 pm, at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry. Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 1:30 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1401 N Richmond Road, McHenry. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Seasons Hospice and the caretakers, Becky and Bob at Neighbors Next Door.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.colonialmchenry.com

For more information, you may contact the funeral home at 815-385-0063

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Herald from Aug. 18 to Aug. 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Basel

Sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory.

16 Entries

Christine Buik

September 9, 2019

Dear Donna, Jane, Shirley and Sandy-
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful pictures of your mom and your entire families. Your mom had an amazing life!! She was well loved and she also loved life. You can tell by her beautiful smile in all those pictures! Her spirit will live on in the four of you, in your children and in you grandchildren.
My best,
Chris
(friend of Jane and Paul)

Barbara Smith

August 21, 2019

Dear sweet Jane + family, We are praying for comfort + peace, as you honor + celebrate your mom's/grandmother's life. We praise God for her long + beautiful life lived. Much love + hugs from your Summit Street friends <3 Barb, Jack, Kate + Sam Smith

Bill Robel

August 21, 2019

Sincere condolences to Shirley and family.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jean Kennedy

August 16, 2019

So sorry for your loss. I have this wonderful memory of Doris and my mother, Betty, sitting together at Kevin's 50th birthday party. Two beautiful ladies now gone from us. Will always remember her sweet smile and the fact that we shared the same birthday. Her suffering is done. "The long day is over." She lives in a better place.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Mary Ellen Urbanik

Sent Flowers

Louise Shepard

August 18, 2019

DearJane, Paul & family,
Your Mom was a lovely person. I send my prayers of thanks for the goodness that she and her family have given to others. I will request a mass at St. Joseph's and let you know when this will be scheduled.
Blessings Always,
Louise Shepard

Jan, David, and Marion Deal

August 18, 2019

Dear Jane, we send caring thoughts as you honor your mom and a life beautifully lived. All love to you and your family.

Jean Kennedy

August 18, 2019

Having gone through a similar loss so recently, my thoughts are with all of you.I will remember your mother's sweet smile and the fact that we shared the same birthday. I have attached my favorite picture of our mothers together. Two beautiful ladies.

Phyllis and Wally Marciniiak

August 18, 2019

Donna and Bill,
Please accept our deepest sympathy with the passing of your mom. Reading her obituary, sounds ike she
was a wonderful mom and grandma. May beautiful memories help ease your loss. I couldn't help but wonder if our mom's didn't know each other, my mom also being a long time parishioner of St. Mary's.
Love to you and your family,
Phyllis and Wally Marciniak

Jane Sharka

August 17, 2019

Dear Jane & Family, My deepest sympathies for your loss. May the Lord bless you and comfort you in that your mother leaves a great legacy and she is with Him. Blessings to you all.

Sue Cox

August 17, 2019

Janie and family: Your mother was a very talented and lovely woman. She bestowed those gifts to her family. Peace to you on her passing. Gar & Sue Cox

Mary Ellen and Christina Urbanik

August 16, 2019

We'll always remember our Aunt Doris as a calm presence. One memory is of a party at her daughter Jane's house. We were sitting at the dining room table with Doris and our other aunt, Dorothy, her twin sister. They surprised and impressed us with their mutual interest and knowledge of the Cubs! What a pleasant surprise. We'll always remember fondly our mutual exchanges of cousins between McHenry and Chicago during our childhood summers. What a lovely lady. Your loving nieces, Mary Ellen and Christina Urbanik.