Virginia Kay Basile

Virginia Kay Storm Basile, 93, of Columbus, Ohio, Stone Mills and Liverpool, NY, passed away on August 2, 2024. Kay, as she was known by her friends and family, was born on January 31, 1931, in Watertown, NY, to Jacque and Hilda (Strader) Storm. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Anthony Vincent Basile. Kay is survived by her loving sister, Brenda Finch, and pre-deceased by her sister Janet Storm Watter.

Kay was a wonderful mother to Leslie Wachalec (Rob), Carrie Baptiste (Bill), and Abbie Basile, and a devoted grandmother to Trey Wachalec (Emily), Anthony Wachalec (Megan), and Lin Breneman (Matt), as well as to her five great-grandchildren, Halle, Taylor, Leo, John, and Luke. Kay is beloved by nephews Chuck Watter and Shannon Ladd, and nieces Tara Ladd, Heather Minikhiem, Maria Pino, and especially Iona Heiges.

Kay worked at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Syracuse for many years, as well as Griffiss Airforce Base and Hancock Field. A devoted mother, she put herself second in all things. She valued learning and instilled in her children the importance of having an open-mind. She was a strong source of support for her family. Kay was a good listener and loved to engage in wide-ranging conversations. Kay hosted marvelous holiday dinners, creating cherished memories for others. She was passionate about U.S. history and became an expert on George Washington. The power of her sharp mind was rivaled only by the warmth of her kind heart.

A private memorial was held in Columbus, OH, in August. Kay will be interred with family in Riverside Cemetery in Cape Vincent, NY.