Margaret M. Bassett

Margaret M. Bassett Catholic School Educator; 82 Lowell Margaret Mary "Peggy" (Scanlon) Bassett passed away peacefully on August 17, 2008. Margaret was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on July 8, 1926, a daughter of the late Patrick and Ethel (Twoig) Scanlon. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Lowell. Margaret graduated from Lowell High School in 1944, where she was a member of the Girl Officers. After high school, Margaret attended Boston University and Lowell Teachers' College. She taught at St. Patrick's School before her marriage. On June 18, 1949, Margaret married Robert I. Bassett, with whom she had five children and 55 years of happiness. Her husband Bob died in 2004. For many years, as her children were growing, Margaret taught at Sacred Heart School and St. Michael's School, both in Lowell, where she will be fondly remembered. She was also the Assistant Principal at Sacred Heart School. She always said that the happiest years of her life were spent teaching and living in the house on Bourne Street. As a long-term parishioner, Margaret was involved in the Holy Rosary Sodality, the Sacred Heart Band, and teaching Sunday School. She was also very involved in her children's activities and was their biggest cheerleader. Margaret will be remembered lovingly in so many ways. Her smile and optimism were infectious. Even when struggling to recover from a stroke, she never gave up hope. Her avid support for her husband's running had her at water stops along race routes handing out oranges and encouragement to all of the Greater Lowell Road Runners. She enjoyed 13 winters in Marathon, Florida in her "shack in the Keys" and always had an unbridled joy for Hampton Beach. She loved to dance, especially the Polka, and made a mean kettle of fish chowder. These are just a few of the memories that will be treasured by her family and friends. Margaret is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Robert Bassett and Dr. Marilyn Ray of Hays, KS, and Dr. Thomas Bassett and Carol Spindel of Urbana, IL; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Martha and Tom Dufresne of Hollis, NH, Mary Bassett of Acton, and Ann and Richard Bienvenue of Lowell, MA. In addition, she is survived by nine grandchildren, Sarah and Timothy of Hays, Nicholas and Rebecca of Urbana, Caitlin and Margaret of Nashua, and William, Robert and Elizabeth of Acton; one great grandchild, Aiden Bassett of Hays; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Bassett of Vermont. Margaret is predeceased by her brother, Lawrence Scanlon and her sister, Irene Scanlon DeNileon. She will also be sorely missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and her wide circle of friends and her caregivers, Meggie Dufresne and Elkana Kerimu. BASSETTIn Nashua, August 17, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Margaret M. (Scanlon) Bassett, 82, beloved wife of the late Robert I. Bassett. Friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET on WEDNESDAY from 2 until 4 and from 6 until 8 P.M. Funeral THURSDAY at 9 o'clock from the Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 o'clock at Holy Family Parish St. Marie's Church, corner of Chamberlain and Grafton Sts. Lowell. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222.