College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
 
Plaza of Heroines

Last Name Index
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Ms. Lillian Basuk

Charles City, Iowa

Paver Area 56

Born 6/11/1921, in Charles City, Iowa
Died 10/30/1988, in North Hollywood, California

Lillian Basuk was born in Charles City, Iowa, to immigrant parents from Russia. Although growing up in Iowa as a daughter of immigrants was certainly a challenge, her family was quite respected in Charles City. Her father, Oskel, was a successful businessman there However, Lil was somewhat of a rebel in her teenage years. Lil shunned college and went on to seek a career in a time when women did not generally venture out on their own. Rather than getting married as most young women did in that generation, Lil established a career and an independent life for herself for several years in Minneapolis. She eventually moved to California to be closer to her sister Jeanne and family, and continued to fashion an independent life for herself there. Lil never married and had no children, however, she was very fortunate to have several nephews and a niece who were very much like children to her. Her pleasure in life consisted of these "children"; and her greatest joy, football, to which she would relentlessly dedicate every Sunday. Lillian worked until she was no longer able to do so physically, due to heart and diabetes problems. She died of a stroke at the age of 67. 5/28/2000
Narrative Updated: 5/28/2000

Honored By:Jon Fleming


Becoming the Best
Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) 294-4111. Published by: University Relations, online@iastate.edu. Copyright © 1995-2004, Iowa State University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.
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