Sara Katharine Shore Basel

Sara was born on March 3, 1943 to Lawrence Shore and Sadie Spicer in Gainesville, FL.  Sara was a life-long Gainesville resident, proud southern woman and Florida native.

Sara met her soul mate, Harlan Basel, when she was attending Gainesville High School and they were married in 1959.  Their first son, James Lee, was born a year later in 1960, followed by Keith Gregory in 1963 and Susan Gail in 1970. 

To fulfill her wish to stay home with her children, Sara started her own in-home childcare business that spanned 25+ years.  During that time she cared for many children that came to know her as “Miss Sara” and she loved them like they were her own.  She became such a reputable child caregiver overtime that she stayed full through recommendations only.

Sara enjoyed many pastimes, but some of her favorites were girls’ lunch/shopping days with her daughter, daughters-in-law and grand-daughters; family get-togethers; Gator football; DAR (Daughter’s of the American Revolution) meetings; genealogy research; gardening; southern cooking; reading; dancing; watching her soap operas; and enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Sara was a fierce supporter, defender and protector of her family.  She loved deeply and was loved by others dearly.  She is survived by husband, Harlan; children, James (Wanda) Basel of Lithia, FL, Keith (Shirley) Basel of Hawthorne, FL, Susan Swirbul of Gainesville, FL; grandchildren: Cassandra (Adam) Church; Marlena, Keith Joseph (Aviendha), Abigail and Austin Basel; Kara and Jenna Swirbul; great-grandchildren, Elise and Dorothy; sisters, Mary Taylor and Theresa Evans and brother Charles Shore.