Anita Lorraine Basich, 95, a longtime resident of Aberdeen, died peacefully on March 30, 2025 in Vancouver, Washington. Anita was born on Feb. 23, 1930, in Aberdeen to Dominic DePaoli and Esther (Rovella) DePaoli who both immigrated from Italy. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and regularly enjoyed family meals with her five sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins where there was never any shortage of pasta!

Anita graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1948 and on Sept. 19, 1950, she married her high school sweetheart, John Druzianich. He was killed in action in the Korean War in March, 1951. Two months later, Anita gave birth to their son, John. On Aug. 18, 1956, she married Robert Basich and together they raised three children, John, Kris, and Kathy. She was a devoted mother and always stressed the importance of family and strong values. Anita’s mother “Nonni” lived in the basement apartment in their home for over 20 years and was an integral part of their family, helping with the cooking, laundry, and childcare.

Bob and Anita were married for 44 years and made a great team. They were fiercely committed to their hometown. Anita supported Bob during his coaching career and during his time as a state legislator. She also partnered with him to teach ballroom dancing and their gracefulness was on display at many gatherings at the Aberdeen Elks and Eagles.

Family was everything to them. Grandma and Pa’s generosity was huge. They cherished their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to surprise them with fun activities, their favorite treats and beautifully wrapped presents. Holidays were always made special with gorgeous table settings and delicious meals. Family vacations to Sun River, Lake Chelan and Hawaii were filled with treasured memories and plenty of laughter. Anita’s witty sense of humor was on display even in her final days.

As a working mother, Anita was a trend setter for her time. Early in her career, she worked as a bank teller before finding her true calling as a real estate broker/Realtor. In 1983 she became co-owner of a Coldwell Banker franchise and eventually sold her share in 1993 and returned to home sales. Her final stop was at Windermere Realty where she used her tireless work ethic and organizational skills to serve people, working into her 80s before she retired. Anita served as the President of the Grays Harbor Board of Realtors and was named the Realtor of the Year in 1983. She was also recognized by the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce for her many years of community service.

Anita was active in many groups — the local chapter of the American Heart Association, Sons of Italy, Gold Star Wives of America, the AHS Class of ‘48 reunion committee and the Bella Donna Investment group she started with business associates and friends. Anita had a deep Catholic faith and was very committed to both St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s School. Religious artwork from her visits to Vatican City, Florence, and Notre Dame, along with statues of the Blessed Mother, missalettes, crucifixes, and rosaries were displayed throughout her house.

She had many hobbies. Anita prided herself in decorating her home and making it a place filled with lovely treasures as well as lots of love. She loved birds and flowers, especially her blooming azaleas, and took great pleasure in having a manicured yard. Anita also enjoyed cooking and entertaining. She had impeccable taste and style and was always shopping for the perfect outfit and accessories. She was a huge fan of the Seahawks and Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak. No day came to an end without watching her favorite game shows.

Anita is survived by her son, John Basich, of Vancouver, Washington, daughter, Kathy (Bill) Hunsaker of White Salmon, Washington; son-in-law, Leonard Barnes of Montesano; as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Druzianich and Robert Basich; parents, Dominic and Esther (Rovella) DePaoli; daughter, Kris Barnes; brother, Louis DePaoli; sisters, Dena Mowell, Irene Greenlee, Norma Hall, and Josephine Wirta; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Basich.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16 at St. Mary’s Church with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. A private graveside service will be held at 2:30 at Fern Hill Cemetery. A viewing will be from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at Harrison Family Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in her memory be made to St. Mary’s School at 518 N. H St. Aberdeen, WA 98520.