Basel B Wowk

Basel Landia Wowk, 98, died of natural causes on January 23, 2021, at Almost Home of the Beaches, Jacksonville, FL. She was born July 15, 1922, in NYC, the daughter of Michael Berketis and Maria (Sacalis) Berketis.

Basel grew up in NYC and went on to study at the Philadelphia Academy of Vocal Arts and the Juilliard School of Music. She entered and won the popular Arthur Godfrey talent competition of 1952. She soon made her debut with the New York City Opera singing in Pagliacci. As a soprano, she was known as Basel Landia and traveled the world, including a six-year tour throughout Europe, singing in major opera houses in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.

During and after her career on the opera stage, Basel was a highly sought-after vocal coach and teacher and went on to reside in Williamsburg, VA, and Philadelphia, PA at different stages of her teaching career.

In addition to her parents, Basel was preceded by her husband Raymond Wowk, and her brother, Theodore Berket. Surviving are her cousins, Mary (Sacalis) Mitchell, Corinne Samios, Charlie Stampelos and her niece, Iris (Berket) Bracey… as wells as a number of additional beloved cousins and friends throughout the country.

A brief memorial service will be held following the 10am divine liturgy at St. John the Divine, Jacksonville, on Sunday, Feb. 28. The entire service will be streamed at stjohnthedivinejax.org. Those that may want to remember Basel in a special way may make gifts in her memory to either St. John the Divine Jacksonville or The Humane Society of the United States.