Elizabeth Margaret McDonnell Basinait

Elizabeth Margaret Basinait, 90, a resident of Las Vegas, passed away August 20, 2013. She was born August 9, 1923 in an area called the "Devils Pocket"in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John McDonnell and Elizabeth Holmes.She attended Catholic School in Philadelphia through high school. She met and married Howard Irwin Pillman and moved to New England where she lived for many years. Elizabeth relocated to Las Vegas in 1977 where she worked as a waitress at the Cafe' Roma in Caesars Palace for many years until she retired. She loved the social aspect of serving others and meeting interesting new and famous people. Also known as the Boogie Woogie Bugle Girl, she loved the life of the party and dancing the the night away. She loved spending time with herfamily and teaching her grandchildren, painting with oils, drawing portraits and landscapes,sitting by the ocean, going to the horse races in New England, and traveling to Ireland. Elizabeth wasan avid reader of many booksand subjects; her favorite book was "Angela's Ashes". She was also a dedicated history buff andliked studying and followingtheMonarchyin Europe, andthe Renaissance period. Elizabeth was preceeded in death by her parents: John and Elizabeth McDonnell; Brother, Jack McDonnell; and grandson, Daniel Pillman. She is survived by her children: Sharon Stevens, Howard Pillman, Ralph (Joanne) Pillman, and daughter Lisa Ross;sister, Catherine Rocci; 12 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.