Rosalie C. S. Bassett

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Rosalie C. S. Bassett

Rosalie Crimmins Silva Bassett of Edgartown died on October 11 in the family home where she was born. She was 95.

Her life was dedicated to her family, and to her husband, Gordon W. “Bob” Bassett, who predeceased her in 1999, after 57 years of marriage.

Rosalie was born March 25, 1918, to William P. Silva, whose great-grandparents came to Edgartown from the Azores in the 1850s, and his wife Rosalie (Crimmins), who was born in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. Rosalie often talked about her happy childhood growing up in Edgartown, which was a small community then, where you knew everyone in town. She attended the local schools, and graduated from the Edgartown High School. Childhood friend Jodie Reynolds moved to Boston with her, and they roomed together while Rosalie attended business school, and worked at Jordon Marsh weekends and holidays. After graduation, she returned to the Island and worked at the Cape & Vineyard Electric Company.

In September of 1941, Rosalie’s dear friend Esther Waller introduced her to Bob Bassett; their romance sparked, and never waned. They married and raised seven children, and when all were in school or grown, Rosalie worked at the Welfare Office, in the County Treasurer’s Office, and was secretary for St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. She obtained her Real Estate Broker’s license and enjoyed her years working with Barbara Nevin.

Rosalie was one of the founders of St. Elizabeth’s Guild, which she supported for over 60 years. She loved playing Bridge, especially with longtime partners Arlene Colter, Myrtle Teller, and Jan Hathaway. She was an avid reader, hands-on gardener, accomplished cook, and enthusiastic traveler. In recent years she enjoyed frequently lunching out with family, friends, and her beloved caregivers.

Rosalie is survived by her seven children: Ann Bassett, Tod Bassett and his partner, Lee Taylor, Neale Bassett and his wife, Ellie, William “Boo” Bassett, Rosalie “Lee” Domont and her husband, Fred, Tommy Bassett and his wife, Polly, and Polly Bassett. Her children will tell you that she was not only a devoted mother, but a truly great friend.

Rosalie’s grandchildren are: Ann’s children Lisa Bassett, Dorothy Whiting (and her husband, Danny), and Grayson Pelletier (and his wife, Melissa); Tod’s children, Leah and Meadow; Neale’s children, Eric and Keith; Boo’s children, Zoe Petricone (and her husband, Mark), Hannah Alexandra, Liam, and Heron; Lee’s children, Eve (and her fiance, Greg Carroll), and Jen Domont; Tommy’s children, Melanie Richardson (and her husband, C.J.), Seth (who died in 1995), and Jacob (and his wife, Gretchen); and Polly’s son, Fin Kaeka.

She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday October 18, at 11 am, at St. Elizabeth’s Church on Main Street, Edgartown.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Edgartown Firemen’s Association, the Edgartown EMTs, the Edgartown Patrolmen’s Association, and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.