Zora H. Basic of John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell, passed away at 1:03 p.m. Tuesday (4-7-15) in the home with her son at her side. She was 97. Mrs. Basic was born Sept. 15, 1917, in Farrell, a daughter of Matthew and Anna Sokol Butorayac. She was raised in Farrell and graduated from Farrell High School in 1935. She received her formal business training from the former Shenango Valley Commercial Institute, Sharon. Upon graduation, she was hired by the institute, where she taught for several years. Zora worked for the City of Farrell in its engineer's office and for Stey-Nevant Library, also in Farrell. She later worked as an administrative assistant for Federal Wholesale Co. Inc., Hubbard. Zora became a licensed real estate agent, excelling in her career. She was honored several times as salesperson of the month and twice as salesperson of the year. Through the years, she worked for various agencies throughout the valley including E.J. Mc- Cluskey Real Estate. She retired in 1994 after 25 years as an agent. When the federal government decided to recruit women for civil defense in the 1950s, Zora was selected to serve as the first woman civil defense officer in Farrell. She was an active member of St. Anthony's Church in Sharon, where she belonged to the Altar Guild and sang in the choir. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell. She is survived by her son, Carl A. Basic, Howland, Ohio; and a niece and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Charles Basic, who passed away in December 1983. They were wed in October 1940. Besides Charles, she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Jane Basic; three brothers, Emrick, Matthew and Anthony Butorayac; and two sisters, Katherine Juick and Mary Beck. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (4-10-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Service: Funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday (4-11-15) in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Charles Skinner, retired diocesan priest, officiating. Interment: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.