Janet Leona Meerschaert Worthington Bassett

Janet Leona Worthington Bassett, age 86, left this earth on December 15, 2025.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 15, 1939, to Hector and Marie (Campbell) Meerschaert. She was one of twelve children, August (Delphine), Marvin (Dorothy), Raymond (Susanna), John, Marie, Rose Couvreur, Barbara Yongert (George), Kathleen, Joseph (Jeanette), Joan Brakevelt (Joseph), and Dolores.

She obtained a degree in nursing from the Providence School of Nursing and later a degree in business administration from Central Michigan University. She was proud to be a registered nurse serving in Detroit, Midland, Big Rapids, and Traverse City. She became Vice President of Nursing of Midland Hospital and was always an advocate and mentor to others.

Janet married the first love of her life, Edward James (Jim) Worthington on August 2, 1962, and had three children with him, Edward, Gregory (Desiree), and Vincent (Laura). Janet and Jim were married for 32 years before Jim died in 1994.

She married the second love of her life, Robert William Bassett on July 14, 2003. Robert was widowed twice before. His first wife was Jean Boehme Bassett and they had three children together, Steven (Sophia), Nancy, deceased (Jim Bair), and Carol O'Dell (Jeff). His second wife was Carole Brummel Shugart Bassett. Carole was also widowed (George Shugart) and had two children, Eric (Becky) and Bob (Lena). Janet continued to have a special relationship with Diane Bassett, Steven's first wife. With all of the Clan combinations, Janet had 27 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Janet was a tireless leader and lifelong advocate for others, particularly for women. She was widely respected as a mentor to more than a generation of nursing professionals. Janet had a lifelong dedication to community service. For more than 15 years, she served in numerous capacities as a board member of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and also served as Chamber President. As an elected representative on the Elk Rapids Village Council, she was active in the Michigan Municipal League. In 2003, Janet was given the Athena Award. The Athena award is given to an individual who has achieved professional excellence, is devoted to their community, and has assisted women in their pursuit of professional excellence and leadership. She mentored students on the Youth Advisory Council as board member of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. For many years, she was a driving force in her local Business and Professional Women's Organization (BPW). She served as state president of the Michigan Federation of BPW. Her personal involvement in a program called "Kids Kollege/Future is Mine" helped to prepare students for successful futures. As a dynamic member of the Elk Rapids and Lake Sumter Lions Clubs, she chaired various committees and in recognition of exceptional accomplishments, she was awarded the Lion of the Year Award in 2019 and 2021. For dedicated humanitarian services, she was admitted as a Melvin Jones Fellow from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Her legacy lives on in the many people who love her and were inspired by her.

All are welcome to join Janet's family and friends to share fellowship and stories on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Top-of-the-Park at the Park Place Hotel (300 East State Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684). Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (12675 Center Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to go to the Elk Rapids Lions Club Medical and Emergency Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 583, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629-0583. The family extends deep appreciation to the loving staff of French Manor Terra, Heartland Hospice, and to Father Wayne Dziekan for his blessings and accompaniment.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com