Kathleen Beatrice Basye passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2022 after a long term battle with Vascular Dementia.

Kathy, as she was known to many of her friends was born on the 15th of July 1937. She spent much of her early life in the countryside, having been evacuated between the ages of three and nine but later returned to the family home in central London with her five other siblings; Yvonne, Gerald, Jeanette, Vincent and Raymond.

Upon her return to London, Kathy met Terry at a local dance (a passion she would carry with her into her later years) and they started a family together with their three children; Robert, Gillian and Amanda. Kathy was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother and her home was always the hub for family gatherings. When asked of their childhood memories, each of her 16 grandchildren recall her home in Southgate as the most prominent, a testimony to the loving home that she built from her humble beginnings.

Kathy had numerous vocations throughout her life, but she always remarks her life began at forty two when she opened her very own beauty salon Hilltop in Highgate Village, a constant pillar amongst an ever changing high street. Kathy spent her evenings at night school, passing her assessments with flying colours and revolutionised the idea that women, particularly those in their forties, could start afresh and be a successful owner of a thriving business – atypical of a post war child. Kathy took the leap of faith into the self employed world, never looking back and when asked in her later years she simply replied she would do it all again. The salon gave Kathy a wealth of memories and ever lasting friendships that she always spoke so fondly of. Kathy inspired the females of her family to always remain as strong and fearless as she, supporting them to always see their potential and not settle for second best.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Kathy; spending time with her family, singing along to music, or taking a walk in Grovelands park on a sunny afternoon. Kathy will be missed by many, and her legacy will continue through her family and her business which has resided in Highgate Village since 1980. 

The family welcome you to join us in remembering Kathy on Monday 28th February 2022 at New Southgate Crematorium at 1pm followed by a wake at the Prince of Wales Pub in Highgate from 3pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Research UK