Penni M. Basse

Penni (known to her family as PIP) was born on March 8, 1948 in Washington, D.C. A self-proclaimed Army brat, Penni and her family went on to live in Arlington, Virginia, Tokyo, Japan, Del Rio, Texas, and finally San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from McArthur High School in 1966, Penni moved to Los Angeles, California and began a modeling career where she caught the eye of Richard Avedon. She then moved to New York City to pursue runway modeling for top designers such as Betsey Johnson. While in New York, she met and became close personal friends with Lou Reed and the other members of The Velvet Underground, most especially Maureen Tucker who was their drummer and whom she remained lifelong friends with. She had the good fortune of meeting Andy Warhol and went to The Factory on many occasions. Friends of Penni will recall her amazing stories of her days in the Big Apple.

After returning to San Antonio, Penni then met and married her soulmate of 38 years, Edgar Alfred Basse III (Tres) and together they raised their two children, Christian Mathews Basse and Caroline Allyson Basse. Penni and Tres eventually called McQueeney, Texas home after their children were grown.

Penni was a 6th generation Texan, part of the Stephen F. Austin Original 300 families. She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Alamo Mission Chapter, a life member of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Exposition, and The Assembly.

Penni is survived by her husband, two children, brother Colonel Harold Charles Schade; granddaughter Christian Sloane Basse, Daughter-in-law Camilla Long Basse; and longtime faithful sidekick, Bandit. She is preceded in death by her parents Colonel Thomas Osborn Mathews and Sue King Mathews.

A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Mission Burial Park South. Those in attendance will be required to wear face masks and will be asked to keep a physical distance of 6 feet or greater at all times. We thank you all for your assistance in keeping all attendees safe and healthy.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to The Kidney Foundation of Texas, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, The Texas Cavalier Charitable Foundation, Sunshine Cottage, and Friends of Lake McQueeney - Save the Dam.