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WARREN – Margaret C. "Marge" Basista, 91, of Warren, passed away on Thursday evening, Oct. 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.
Marge was born on Nov. 24, 1934, in New Castle, Pa., the only child of the late John and Anna Dzemyan.
She graduated from Shenango High School in 1952, earning her nursing degree from the New Castle Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. Marge began her nursing career at New Castle Hospital, where she served until 1961.
She then chose to devote herself full-time to her home and family, occasionally volunteering with the American Red Cross, and finished her career working as nurse at Autumn Hills Care Center in Niles.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Col. James P. Basista Sr. whom she married Sept. 9, 1961.
Their eldest, James P. Basista, Jr., proceeded her in death on Sept. 16, 2024. She is survived by his wife, Diane Basista of Girard; her daughters Ann Prendergast (James) of Birmingham, Alabama, Susan Murley (John) of Columbus and Paula James (Brian) of McDonald, Pa. Marge delighted in her grandchildren, Erin Prendergast (Sam Woods), Dr. Michael Prendergast, Meghan Brault (Jack), Matthew Murley (Kim), Grace Fitzgerald (Brendan), Brendan James and Nicholas James; great-grandsons, Isaac and Bennett; great-granddaughter, Virginia (deceased) and another great-granddaughter due in February.
She was preceded in death by her eight half siblings and will be fondly remembered by many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Marge was a faithful member of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren, where she belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered in many capacities over the decades. She and Jim enjoyed tailgating and cheering on the Youngstown State Penguins football and basketball teams, and spent many years as active members of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, Youngstown Chapter.
Above all, Marge's greatest joy was her family. She treasured the life she built with her husband and delighted in the many adventures they shared, including living on base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, early in their marriage and living several years in Birmingham, Alabama once their children were grown. She and Jim traveled the country and the world together and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Marge from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.
A funeral service will follow at noon at Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave NE, Warren, Ohio 44483.
A private burial will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marge's name to Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 180 Belvedere Ave NE, Warren, Ohio 44483 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/
Family and friends may visit Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel to view this obituary and send condolences to Marge's family.
(special notice)