Jennifer Elise Basha, 42, passed away May 13, 2016. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Andrew “Ike” Basha and their children Annelyse and Julia, her father, Ellison Stormy Herro MD, and siblings Kristi Mussallem (James), Ann Marie Hannoun (Dan), Frederick Herro MD, and Anthony Herro DDS (Cecelia). She is preceded in death by her mother, Georgette Herro.
While Jennifer was born in Toledo, OH May 3rd, 1974, she has lived in Phoenix, AZ since 1975. She attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary, graduated from Xavier College Preparatory, earned her teaching degree from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Ottawa University. She was a fourth grade school teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle until marrying her beloved husband and best friend, Ike, in 2001. Jennifer was a devout Catholic who served as a Eucharistic Minister and perennial homeroom mother. She was completely selfless and lived her life in the service of others. Her hobbies, whether traveling, shopping, cooking, or entertaining, were always centered around family.
Jennifer was a leader and advisor to her family, friends and community. She was admired for her humor, strength, compassion and devotion. Those who were blessed to be a part of her life witnessed an unparalleled generosity, uniquely coupled with a quiet strength and grace. She fiercely loved her family and was truly an inspiration to everyone around her. Jennifer was and continues to be, a spiritual touchstone that provides the physical embodiment of the love available through prayer and devotion.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 20, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Eric Felix
Dear Ike,
I am feeling extremely sad as I write you this letter. I just heard from Debbie that Jennifer passed away. I have two visions of you and Jennifer and one additional of you. My first vision is the day at St. Tim’s when I saw you walk by at a crowded outdoor mass leading your fiancé by the hand, looking back at her occasionally with such a loving and happy look on your face. I was deeply touched by you both as a couple totally full of endless, uniquely deep love. I can see those minutes in time like they were yesterday as I was touched to near tears at such love! My second memory was that of the two of you becoming one in every way at your wedding! I thought and still think that you married one of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, both extrinsically and intrinsically! My additional thought of you was the elation in your face and spirit when you told me that you were going to be a father! I knew in my heart that you would be just as amazing as a father as I believed you to be a husband and soulmate to Jennifer! I feel sad that I don’t have the words to bring any relief to your pain. I can’t fathom the pain of losing your wife, soul-mate, best friend and love of your life. Please know that you are a very special, one of a kind man in so many ways! You are and always have been a man I’ve admired in every regard! My admiration stems from your beautiful, loving and caring character, coupled with the blessing of an amazing personality to which all are attracted to! Until today, I knew nothing of Jennifer’s illness. I told Debbie that I just knew that you were there for your wife through every minute of her battle. Knowing who you really are, I know that your pain will linger for a long time. Time is the only healer in tragedies like yours. I just learned of the two of you having two children. If any man can pull off being mom and dad, it would be you! I pray that by way of a miracle, Jesus brings you and your daughters peace, sooner than later. I know that with your love and support, they will recover in the time ahead. Candidly, its times like today that it’s difficult for me to understand why God and Jesus allow tragedy to fall on the good souls amongst so many ill/evil souls on earth. Please know that I have always and will always love you and thank you and Jennifer for the blessed visions that the two of you gifted to me by way of your mutual, radiant love for one another! Finally, please know that I have always and will always love you in every way as you are one of the most lovable men I’ve ever known!
Sincerely hurting for you,
Eric Felix
Shirley Davis
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Herro/Basha Families. Jennifer was a wonderful and caring soul. May Her Memory Be Eternal.
God bless all of you,
The Davis, Collins, Mansour, Lunt, and Bouchard Families.
Robert and Arlette Lenzi
Mr. Basha,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on loss of your beloved wife. Mrs Basha was the most beautiful person inside and outside, if I have to describe Jen with just one word will be “humble”, overall she was an amazing human being. May God bless her soul, we will continue to pray for you and your daughters for years to come.
The Lenzi Family.
Alexander and Teresa Malkoon
There are those among us whose transition from earthly life to eternal life is such an easy short step, a short path. Jennifer lived her life with such grace and humility and blessed and inspired those around her. We have been so blessed, so fortunate, to have known this angel on earth. Our fondest memories of Jennifer were Teresa’s years baby sitting the cutest little thing on the planet(Sorry Ann Marie) and marveling at Stormy and Georgette’s little daughter becoming this inspirational Woman, teaching Jeffrey and Camille in fourth grade at St.Thomas. Length of years are the brief measurement of Man, not the eternal measurement of God, and while the depth of sadness and grief is palpable and real, we yearn for that day of eternal reunion with sweet Jennifer, the best among us.
Our heart felt condolences to you Ike, your beautiful daughters, and the entire Basha/Herro families.
Teresa and Alexander Malkoon Family