Lorraine Basile

Lorraine Eileen Basile (née Schmidt), age 91, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, in Lamy, New Mexico. Born on October 2, 1933, in Merrillville, Indiana, Lorraine lived a full and vibrant life marked by resilience, intellect, and deep devotion to her family.

Lorraine was the daughter of Joseph and Anna Schmidt and grew up in a close-knit family alongside her sisters Mary (Clayton) Shoup, Katherine (John) Meszaros, Barbara (Jake) Kreiter, Elizabeth (Kelly) Ball, and Anna (Philip) Sieburg. She carried the values instilled in her during those early years throughout her life-strength, independence, and compassion.

A proud alumna of Indiana University, Lorraine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to lead a life enriched by learning and culture. A lifelong Catholic, she was a devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Merrillville before relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Lorraine's love for the arts was evident in her long-standing subscription to the Chicago Lyric Opera. Music brought her great joy, as did reading novels late into the night or curling up with knitting needles in hand. She had a particular fondness for true crime stories and never missed an episode of Law & Order: SVU. Her evenings were often accompanied by a glass of wine, a piece of cheese, and a good book-simple pleasures that reflected her appreciation for life's quiet moments.

Above all else, Lorraine was a devoted mother who always put her children first. She is survived by her children: LorriAnne Basile; Paul Basile and his wife Kristi; Erik Basile; Heidi Basile and her husband John Holton; and Maria McGloin and her husband Ryan, as well as her daughter-in-law Helaine Basile. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Marissa Jondahl and her wife Trish; Matthew Basile and his wife Nancy; Andrew Basile Hanaway and his husband Jay; Cameron Basile; Patrick Basile; Christopher Basile; Colin McGloin; and Jasper McGloin. She also leaves behind four cherished great-grandchildren: Emersyn Jondahl, Avalon Jondahl, Duke Jondahl, and Finley Jondahl.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her beloved son Joseph Basile as well as by her parents and sisters.

Her strength of character and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her. May Lorraine's memory bring comfort to those she held dear and continue to inspire generations to come.