Obituary of Ersilia Basile

Ersilia (Ceil) Gloria Testa Basile left our earth to join her Mother and Father, Elvira and Ernest Testa, Grandmother Philomena Gallucci, and brother Peter Testa, on Thursday, December 17, 2020. She was surrounded by caring souls until she peacefully past from our midst. She was a tremendous fighter to the very last. She is survived by her Sons David (wife Pam) and Joe, Grandsons Joseph Basile, III (wife Nicole), Anthony Basile (SO, Ariana Scamurra) , Vincent Basile, Great Grandsons Giovanni and Jayden Basile, Brother Ted and wife Judy Testa, Sister Angela (Testa, in memory, Husband Jim) Symula and Sister-in-Law Ginny (Beard, in memory, Husband Peter) Testa. She also leaves behind Nieces Lauri (Symula) Parmily (Husband John), Lisa (Symula) Langton (Husband Charles), Shelly (Testa) LeClair, Mary Lynn (Testa) Fabrizio (Husband Nick), Kristen (Testa, Husband Bob) LeClair, Nephew James (Wife, Charlene), Great Nieces Brittney Fabrizio and Alexis LeClair, Great Nephews Andrew LeClair and Daniel Fabrizio, plus so many cousins and friends who were all blessed to know her. Ceil ("Buzz" to her Family), came to these United States via Ellis Island, with her Mother Elvira at 3 years old from Italy. Both not knowing English and had very little family here. Her Father Ernest immigrated earlier, found employment, shelter and started his new family in Cortland, NY. For 47 years she was a hairdresser in Town and the outlying communities, where she served folks in nursing homes and senior centers, who could not get to her. Many times, Ceil could be seen escorting a friend from the senior center, to her shop, and back again. Numerous acts of visible and private acts of kindness and philanthropy marked her life, and those values, she strived to teach to her children and family…by example. She loved to serve her community, and cherished her family, friends and her God. She was a fierce defender of all those that she called Family or Friend. Her resilience, kindness, determination and life will live on thru those that knew her and keep her in their prayers and thoughts. Calling hours will be at the St. Margaret's Church, Copeland Ave, Homer NY on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 9 AM to 11 AM. A Catholic Mass will follow the calling hours and interment at the St. Mary's Cemetery, Route 281, Cortland NY after the Mass. Mass can be live streamed at https://m.facebook.com/wrightbeardfuneralhomeinc/ Services are for Family and very limited close friends. We will be following all social distancing and capacity guidelines from the State and Federal Government. Face coverings are required. The Family is planning a gathering late summer to further celebrate her life. Those wishing to donate on her behalf, are asked to consider Saint Margaret's Church in Homer, NY, where she was a longtime parishioner, or the Alzheimer's Association of Central New York. We will all miss her. To offer online condolences please visit www.wright-beard.com