Josephine Carmel (Basile) Newkirk

Josephine Carmel (“JoJo”) Basile Newkirk, 70, of Auburn, New York died on March 4th, 2025, surrounded by her loving children and family. She was pre-deceased by her parents Salvatore and Teresa Basile and her sister Annette Basile Lutz.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Donald E. Newkirk, Sr., three children – Donald E. Newkirk, Jr., Cassandra (Kevin) Pierce of Rochester and Teresa (Dillon) Pena of Weatherford, Texas,

as well as siblings Salvatore (Tom Ager) Kingston-Basile, Marie (Stanley) Surowiec, Michael (Gloria) Basile, Carol Krider, Elizabeth (Joseph) Piwinski, Jeanne (Peter) Bunnell, Carmela (John) Dixon, Francis (Mary Jane) Basile and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her husband's mother, Jane Newkirk, and his siblings – Victoria (Charlie) Herzog, Wendy Newkirk, Ginger (Anthony) Meringola, Bonnie (William) Drew, Raymond (Gwenn) Newkirk and Katherine (Lee) Montroy.

JoJo was a life resident of Auburn, graduated from Auburn High School and Auburn Community College and completed advanced studies at Syracuse University.  She worked over 40 years for Midstate Mutual Insurance Company.

She was skilled at intricate beading and enjoyed working for herself as well as teaching others.  She was an expert gardener, proud especially of her lilies; enjoyed scrapbooking and other crafts and was an accomplished scrabble player, enjoying that game especially with her sisters and sisters-in-law.

She was proud of her cooking, baking and preserving, especially at holiday times. Josephine enjoyed being with her children and extended family, and her memory will be cherished by many.

Services are private.

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