Doris Veronica Bazilio

Doris Veronica Bazilio was born on March 14, 1926 in Guyana. She spent her early childhood with her mother, Lena Oodit, at La Penitence, Georgetown then later moved to Weldadd, West Coast Berbice. She met a handsome, debonair Basil Bazilio from No. 28 Village, West Coast Berbice, who swept her off her feet. She was 21 years of age when they married on February 4, 1948. That union produced ten children, Lolita (Lolly), Bernadette, Loreen, Molly, Ralph (Bruce), Rayman, Janet, Esther, Basil (2B) and Michelle. In addition to nurturing her biologiocal children, Doris shared her motherly love with Clarice, Beth, Edward, Aubrey, and the late Victor. Doris was a member of St. Gabriel's Anglician Church and an active member of the Mother's Union Society. She hosted every visiting bishop and priest that came to the village and also hosted mulitple tea parties to benefit the church. Basil was a buisnessman who owned a general store and also did rice farming on a large scale. Doris, known as Auntie Doris to everyone in the village, was his parter in every way; working in the shop, preparing meals for the workmen who toiled in the rice fields and taking care of her children. Before we knew the word "multitasking", Doris was doing it very well. As we reflect on her typical day, we are amazed at her strength and patience-- traits we failed to recognize earlier in life. As some of her children went to the United States to further their education, Doris willingly helped to take care of her grandchildren in Guyana. Even with her experience of taking care of her own children, we do not believe she was prepared for the challenges these grandchildren would bring. Most notably, were the "three musketeers" Paul, Kevin, and Clive. This not with standing, she loved her grandchildren unconditionally. After her dear husband, Basil, was prematurely taken from us in 1990, Doris moved permanently to the United States to be with her children and grandchildren. She attended First Wesleyan Church of Oxon Hill from 1993-2004. Later she attended and became a member of Evangel Assembly of God Church in Temple Hills, Maryland. Doris loved the Lord and her life of caring and serving others demonstrated that love. In 1993, Doris lived with her daughter and son-in-law Esther and Mikel Bush and she was very happy being there. They loved her dearly and all were always welcomed to visit. She loved music-- praise and worship, gospel and oldies but goodies. If she was ever down all you had to do was play some of her favorite music and she would sing every song. She had a beautiful voice and music was always soothing and relaxing for her. Throughout the years, Doris has been blessed with a multitude of grandchildren, great-children and great-great- grandchildren-- who knew her as Granny. She loved taking care of them (Sherise was the last of the grands that she was able to take care of.) When she could no longer be the caregiver, she just loved having them around her at all times. We remember family gatherings and her birthday celebrations where all she wanted was to have all of the children around her to celebrate. When she could not get around as much, their visits brightened her day and brought smiles to her face. Second to having her children, grand kids and great-greats around, Doris loved to dance. We remember her dominating the dance floor at many family functions. Granny lived a long, happy and productive life. She worked very hard, cared deeply and was forever loving, kind and forgiving. Doris had one brother, Harry Faucett, who proceeded her in death. She leaves to rejoice in her memory, her adorable children, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, 29 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and special friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Doris Veronica Bazilio please visit our Sympathy Store.