Sister Joan "Ramona" Frances Bascom

Sister Ramona Bascom, a Dominican Sister of Mission San Jose for 60 years, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 6th. She was 80. Sister was one of six children born to Glen and Frances Basom. She is survived by her sisters Stephanie Grigsby, Catherine Richardson, Mary Ann Levesque and her brother Tim Bascom. Her brother Steve predeceased her. A native of Southern California, she grew up on Catalina Island, where she attended the Island's elementary school; she graduated from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, La Canada, CA.. After the joining the Dominican Sisters in 1954, she received her B.A. in English from Queen of the Holy Rosary College, an M.A. in English from Holy Names University, and counseling degree and certified counseling credential from, Loyola Marymont University. Sister ministered in education for 48 years as teacher, principal and counselor in Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Southern California, serving primarily at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Sacred Heart High School, Los Angeles. Her last teaching assignment was to Bright Star Elementary Charter School in Los Angeles; she later become the founding principal of that high school. In the last 8 years she was involved with the Catholic Community at Stanford University, a member of the Board of Directors for Moreau Catholic High School, a coordinator for the Interfaith Sisters of Peace, and a supporter of the St. Francis Xavier Lay Missionaries for China. She served as the 'public person' on a medical review board for Stanford University Hospital and was on the board for the Dominican Sisters' Center for Education and Spirituality. A person who cared genuinely for others, she always had time and insights to share. She seemed to know what a person needed: compassion, encouragement, wisdom, and yes 'tough love.' Services were held at the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose on Wednesday, April 13th. Donations may be sent to Dominican Sisters and earmarked for the Congregation or Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Immaculate Conception Academy, or Sacred Heart High School. For more information about Sister Ramona visit: www.msjdominicans.org