The daughter of Nicholas and Frances Jacobs, she was born Feb. 16, 1910 in Berlin, Wis. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis June 14, 1932 and made first profession of vows Aug. 23, 1934 and final (perpetual) vows Aug. 12, 1940.

Sister Mary Basil lived her religious ministry as a teacher, librarian and switchboard operator in Illinois and Wisconsin. In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Sister Mary Basil taught at St. James School in Decatur (1935–1947).

Sister Mary Basil is survived by nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and the School Sisters of St. Francis.

The wake and funeral Mass were held March 10 at St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. Burial was March 11 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.