Maria Victoria Basa

Maria Victoria B. Basa, 80, of Rochester, New York, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on August 20, 1945, in Manila, Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Jose and Librada Bustamante. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Manolo, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.

In her early twenties, Maria Victoria worked as a model for television commercials and fashion magazines while earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. She met Manolo Basa at the silver anniversary celebration of her parents, and they married on July 4, 1970. In 1971, she immigrated to the United States with her husband and their three-month-old daughter, Maita. The couple settled in New York, where Manolo established his Primary Care Medical Practice. Maria Victoria skillfully managed the business as its office manager, offering warm and welcoming support to staff and patients alike.

She is survived by her four children, Maita (Gerard) de la Fuente, Mayette Basa, Mylee (Leo) Dondiz, and Joel (Lori) Basa, as well as her grandchildren, Krista, Jonathan, Elisa, Alexandra, and Christian. She is also survived by her brother, Jojo (Gwen) Bustamante, nephew Josef, and many extended family members.

Maria Victoria was known for her generous spirit, especially in the kitchen, where she prepared signature Filipino dishes for family and friends, always ensuring everyone had plenty to enjoy. To many of her children’s friends, she was affectionately known as “Mom” or “Tita Vicky,” opening her home with kindness and support. Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, she served alongside her husband and children in the Bukas Loob Sa Diyos charismatic community, traveling to fulfill its mission.