Frances I. Basile

Frances Irene Basile, 85, passed away on October 9th, 2022, at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland after a brief illness.

Born 1937 in Vineland, she was a resident of Vineland and Philadelphia, Pa.  Irene attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and was a graduate of Vineland High School in 1955. She was employed as a real estate agent during the 1960’s.

A prolific volunteer throughout her life, she served as PTA president at the Cunningham Elementary School, assisted in various capacities with the South Vineland Little League and was an active, leading parent for the Vineland YMCA swim teams.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Frank and Amy Basile of Somers Point, NJ and grandson Stephen Basile of Philadelphia, Pa, whom she referred to as ‘The Prince of My Heart’. Brother-in-law Ronald Swanson of Mystic, Conn; nephew Ron Swanson of Morris Plains, NJ; nieces Ginny Kilcran of Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth Swanson of Cape Cod; and their children Marcelle, Jordan, Gabriela, Michael and Deanna. Nephews Michael, Eugene, Theodore and John Mainiero. First cousins Joan Gallagher, Anita Salamanca Soar, Betty Anne Renshaw, Sandi Pileiro and Sandi’s daughter Melissa Arnold, who quite accurately described Irene as ‘a spicy chile pepper’. Also, cousins Susan Muessig, Kenny Bishop and Don Bishop.

Predeceased by parents Guido J. and Sally E (nee Salamanca) Sasdelli, also of Vineland.

Upon relocating to Philadelphia in the 1970’s, Irene became a tireless advocate for women and families trapped in abusive situations.  She led The Lutheran Settlement House Women’s Program Domestic Violence Unit in the Fishtown-Kensington section of Philadelphia.

Irene initiated the first bilingual hotline for Spanish-speaking women suffering from abuse. Her work extended not only to families for direct service but also established educational training for emergency room medical personnel and law enforcement.  She was responsible for policy, funding, education and advocacy.  Irene was well-respected by her peers.

Irene’s ‘adopted’ Philadelphia family includes Elizabeth Reilly, Joan Reilly and Michael DiBerardinis and their children Gabe, Justin, Maura and Daniel. She was a beacon and a role model for all those she befriended, guided and served in her personal and professional lives.

So much so that upon her retirement in Dec 1992, she was awarded a plaque inscribed with the phrase “The mother who taught us how to make fire in this City” by The Lutheran Settlement House.

Finally, she is survived by Lori Ingaglio, her devoted companion and friend.  Lori’s caring presence in Irene’s final years provided her with a great deal of comfort and joy.

We are asking friends and family to consider making a donation to The Domestic Violence Program of The Lutheran Settlement House to honor Irene’s memory and support the work that she dedicated her life to advancing.

The Domestic Violence Program continues to serve over 5000 adults and children on an annual basis with invaluable support and resources.  More info is available @ https://www.lutheransettlement.org.

Donations in Irene’s memory may be made by accessing the link below and following the prompts.  You may also send checks made out to The Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19125 (Attn: Domestic Violence Program) @ https://www.lutheransettlement.org/get-involved/how-to-donate.

She was a lifelong animal lover, caring for cats and dogs too numerous to mention, a goat as a child and most recently – and memorably- a neighborhood opossum.  She was also a truly voracious reader, often having multiple library books in her possession, particularly topics like history, politics, LGBTQ and women’s issues.

Irene was an intellectual, an activist and a citizen devoted to the improvement of her community, country and world.

Perhaps the eloquent words of fellow New Jerseyan Walt Whitman best described her: This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God.

Funeral Services are private at the request of the family.

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