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Kathleen Basanese Obituary
July 1, 1949 - April 23, 2022
Former resident of San Jose, CA
Kathleen was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1949, the eldest daughter of Michael Gula and Ann Batyko. She graduated near top of her class from Brentwood High School. In 1971, she received her International Studies degree from Georgetown University in Washington DC, where she had met her future husband, Edward during their Junior Year Abroad in Fribourg Switzerland. They married in 1973 at St Pius X Byzantine Catholic church in Pittsburgh, and settled in San Jose, CA, where they raised their two children, Eddie and Diana.
In 2008, Kathy and her husband followed their children, and moved from San Jose to West Hartford, CT.
Kathy's early career began at Chemical Bank in New York City and Zurich Switzerland. In San Jose, she eventually became employed in high tech IT management positions, working at Berryessa Union School District, Implant Center, Comac, Iron Mountain, and most recently, Amware.
Kathy's true joy has always been her family. She is survived by her husband Edward. Her son Eddie Basanese and his wife Jenn of Centennial CO. Her daughter Diana Evjen and her husband Roy of Southington CT. Her brother Mike Gula and his wife Mary Ann Larkin of Silver Spring MD. Her seven grandchildren: Erik, Michael, Allegra, Emet, Kate, Bea and Edward. Her beloved brothers and sisters on her husband's side, John and Maryellen Basanese, Chris and Norma Basanese, Bob and Allison Basanese, Sharon Sullivan, Ric and Laura Basanese. Her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Donna Gula.
Kathy has always been an avid sewer, craftsperson, hiker, and gardener. And a creative chef. She published her homeowner association newsletter. She and her husband loved to travel and they toured many countries in Europe, most recently a road trip together through Ireland.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Kathleen's life at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 5111 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA on Thursday, May 19 at 1:00pm. Donations in her memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Basanese
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
American Cancer Fund
May 16, 2022
The staff of the American Cancer Fund® at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Kathy´s passing. We have received a memorial donation in her name and our sincere condolences go out to her family.
Viki Flynn
May 14, 2022
So sad to hear of Kathleen's passing. It was wonderful to see she was able to come to Lisa's wedding in March. It was wonderful to see the whole family celebrating!
Steve Gay
May 13, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to Ed and the whole family.
John A. Basanese
May 11, 2022
We will truly miss Kathy so much! When Kathy and Ed we´re married almost 50 years ago they became role models for my family in so many ways! Kathy truly had the gift of hospitality! Going to their house was always such a warm, fun and loving time. Family was so important and they modeled that to all of us. Food, drinks, background music and happy conversation around the pool! Those were great days! Kathy and Ed moved back East to be with Eddie and Diana, who now are growing families of their own. Facebook was full of pictures of them all getting together, going to games, going on hikes and just plain having great family times!
I remember meeting Kathy`s family when we went to their wedding. I can see where she got her love and hospitality, they were so warm and friendly and immediately we felt like part of the family! At their wedding, they pushed hard against tradition and made a place for me to sing (with guitar!) The Wedding Song! It was such an honor!
Our sons were inspired to play soccer by watching Eddie. Tina developed a lifelong friendship with Diana. Kathy and Ed had a big impact on our family! In the last year, Kathy was a beacon of courage and strength! She said that the Holy Spirit was holding her up! And He truly was! They traveled to Ireland for a once in a lifetime trip! Then even when Kathy was suffering so greatly she again relied on the Holy Spirit to hold her up as they traveled out to California for Lisa´s wedding. She was full of joy and love and never once complained about anything!
Kathy spoke her mind and we loved her for it. She was always interested in what was going on in your life. She would ask penetrating questions because she really wanted to know. That was so refreshing and we will truly miss that.
Our love goes out Ed, Diana and Eddie and their families at the sad time of Kathy`s passing. We know she is still with us in our hearts and that makes us truly glad. We are so thankful to God for every day that He sustained her and for the strength that He put in her heart! Love, John, Maryellen and Family
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