Gina Basili Kosowicz, 98 years young, peacefully passed on April 9, 2023 in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, a fitting conclusion to a life of deep Christian faith.

Born December 2, 1924 in New Haven to immigrant parents, Luigi Basili and Palmira Bernacchia, she was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Gina was extremely proud of her entire family and Italian heritage. She worked for the War Dept in MI and FL during WWII and the IRS prior to her marriage on November 8, 1952 to Francis G. Kosowicz. Gina and Fran had four children and were foster parents early in their married life. Still, she found time to be a volunteer with the March of Dimes, Cub Scout troop mom, St. Brigid Church Ladies Guild member, and realtor with Buckley Associates in West Hartford, as well as returning to the IRS until retirement.

Early mornings Gina could be found working in her gardens. At her bowling league her team name was "Gina's Gems". She was an active member of Elmwood Senior Center for years. She loved to take cruises and travel, especially to visit her family in the Marche region of Italy or be with family and friends at her West Hartford and Florida homes, cottage in Old Saybrook or country property in Stafford.

Always a voracious reader, she had just finished her latest book. Gina was a skilled painter and inveterate poet and letter writer. Everyone she knew would receive a birthday card each year. She made friends easily with her sincere interest in others and would frequently tell the life story about someone she befriended on a plane, many of whom subsequently received a card.

She deeply missed the loved ones who predeceased her including her husband Fran, of 52 years, sons Frank and Steven, her parents, siblings and in-laws. Willard Bell, her live-in companion of six years, brought her great joy later in life.

Gina leaves behind her daughters and sons-in-law, Kathryn Farrar and husband Bill, Susan Dinallo and husband Russ, Lynn Yaeger Kosowicz, 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (she was anxiously awaiting another arrival in June), and her many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gina gave generously to charity but had a special place in her heart for children and wanted all children to be able to smile happily. It is her request that donations, instead of flowers be made to: Operation Smile, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 758588, Topeka, KS 66675.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Brigid Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediatly follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery after Mass. Both in West Hartford. Parking is available at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home across the street from the Church. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com