Culpherna Basey (Tootsie)

Tootsie was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on December 5, 1936. All her life she was lovingly called Tootsie by all who knew and loved her. Her family figured it was easier than saying Culpherna. She lived the majority of her life with her mother Lottie Marie until she passed in 1999 and her father George, until he passed in 1965 in the Swede Hill area of Austin, Texas. She graduated from Austin High School in 1956. She worked at Capital National Bank first and then The Perry Brookes Building as an elevator operator back when that was a needed role for elevators, sharing her infectious smile and positive attitude with all. Later in her life, she went to work at the Austin State Hospital in the Canteen until she retired in 1997 after 21 years of service. After her mother’s passing, she moved to Buda, Texas to be closer to her younger sister Wanda and her family, husband Louis Townsend, son Keith Townsend and his wife Linda Barr, and grandson Sterling Townsend, and granddaughter Rachel Townsend., who cared for her until the end.

She is survived by her sister Wanda Basey Townsend, sister Georgie Marie Hassler and son Brain Hassler, brother Kenneth Basey and his current wife Renee Basey his sons Chuck Basey (Kathy) and Scott Basey (Christie), and brother Willie Basey and his wife Carol Basey their kids Darry, Audra, Deana and Kevin. Along with numerous great nieces and nephews.

Family and friend’s visitation will be held at Cook Waldon Funeral Home on North Lamar on Sunday, February 25,2024 from 12PM to 2PM. Graveside Service at Austin Memorial Cemetery on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 12PM. The family would like to thank the following groups and individuals who made her last days as comfortable as possible; the doctors, nurses and social workers at Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle, the caregivers at Legend Oaks in Kyle specifically, Mannie, Mary, Oni, Powlla and Diane, and finally Veronica with St Gabriel’s Hospice who took care of Tootsie.