Kathryn Ann Basile

Kathryn A. Basile, Executive Director of the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County for over 10 years, has died following a two year battle with cancer.

Known for her character, integrity and ideals, Ms. Basile lived a life dedicated to improving and enriching the lives of children. A fierce child advocate, Ms. Basile worked tirelessly to create programs and services to meet the many diverse needs of her community’s children, especially disadvantaged youth.

With the belief that every child has the potential to succeed if provided the necessary skills and support, Kathryn offered her talents, passion and skills to many boards and organizations.

Ms. Basile received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding work on behalf of children, chiefly among them:

The Florida Senate Medallion of Excellence

The Florida Coalition for Children’s Lifetime Achievement Award

The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Award

Florida’s Children Forum School Readiness Coalition Award

Children Home Society’s Dave Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award

Born in Watertown, Massachusetts, the eldest of three children born to Gloria Basile Geswell and Albert Basile, Ms. Basile was raised in a large, loving, Italian family and community.

Ms. Basile graduated from Watertown High School in 1969, and then attended the University of Massachusetts, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1973.

Ms. Basile moved to Florida and met her beloved husband, Thomas Gonzalez in 1974. Ms. Basile married Mr. Gonzalez on September 14, 1975.

Ms. Basile taught in the St. Lucie County School District for seven years. During this time Ms. Basile earned a Master of Science degree in Administrative Education from Nova University. Ms. Basile was St. Lucie County’s Teacher of the Year in 1981 and soon after became the Assistant Principal at Port St. Lucie Elementary.

In 1984, Ms. Basile and her husband opened Sunflower Educare, an early childhood learning center. Many of the children and families who passed through Sunflower Educare’s door, remained in close and regular contact with the revered and loved “Ms. Kathy”, as she was fondly known to them.

In January of 1999, Ms. Basile became the Executive Director of the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. Her mission to improve the lives of children deepened, as she filled this new and important role with the full force of her energy, commitment and deep love of children. Ms. Basile was deeply respected by all who worked with her, including her wonderful staff.

Ms. Basile is survived by many dearly loved relatives: her husband of 34 years Thomas Gonzalez, her mother Gloria Geswell of Port St. Lucie, her brother Stephen Basile of New Jersey, his wife Lisa and their two children Ryan and Krista, and her sister Lynn Silva of Pennsylvania, her husband Manuel and their two children Michelle and Whitney. She is also survived by her beloved stepchildren: Rebecca Scott and her husband Russell, Rochelle Gonzalez, Richard Gonzalez and his wife Ana, Rachel Greathouse and her husband Stacy, and Ronald Gonzalez and his wife Elizabeth. She also leaves twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many, many friends.

The visitation will be held at Haisley Funeral Home on Thursday, September 10th
at 3015 Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church on 260 SW Prima Vista Boulevard on Friday, September 11th at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the “Kathryn A. Basile Foster a Dream Foundation” at P.O. Box 7338, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34985, benefiting our local foster children.

Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service. A guest book may be signed at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com