Susan Bassett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Susan Margaret Bassett (née McCarthy), 82, of Pine Bush, NY. Sue passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer's Disease on June 20, 2025.
Sue was born in Hartford, CT on November 28, 1942, to the late James E. McCarthy II and Mary A. McCarthy (née Crepeau). She was the devoted and loyal wife of William J. Bassett for 58 years; the kind and loving mother of Kristine M. Boyle, Kelly L. Bassett, and Michael W. Bassett; and the adoring grandmother of Erin C. Boyle, Owen A. Bassett, and Brigid C. Boyle.
Sue was a graduate of Long Island City High School and received her bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and her master's degree from the University of Buffalo. Sue was a dedicated teacher and a fierce advocate for children. Her robust career in education culminated at Emma Chase Elementary School in Wurtsboro, NY where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
She loved to travel with her husband Bill, read books, cheer on her grandkids from the sidelines, participate in her faith community at St. Paul's Church, tend to her garden, eat butter pecan ice cream, watch the birds at her generously filled birdfeeder, and pet animals of all kinds (especially her grand-dogs Lucy, Beau and Abby). She was pre-deceased by many well-loved cats and a very special golden retriever named Maggie. People knew Sue as Sweet Sue or-once she became a grandmother-as Grandma Sweetie. She was famous for her kindness; her chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, and coffee cake; her thick and beautiful hair; and her impeccable style.
She is also survived by her children-in-law Anthony M. Buono, John J. Boyle, and Elizabeth B. Bassett; her sisters-in-law JoAnn A. McCarthy and Connie M. Klein; and her nephews David J. McCarthy, Brian M. McCarthy, and Daniel J. McCarthy and their families. A special thanks to her caregiver Kathy Gang. Although Kathy met Sue near the end of her life, they became fast friends, and Kathy took exceptionally good care of her. In addition to her parents, Sue was pre-deceased by her loving brothers James E. McCarthy III and Dennis McCarthy.
May she rest in peace knowing that she did such a good job here on earth. Visitation will take place at Applebee McPhillips Funeral Home in Middletown, NY on Monday, June 23rd between 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Bullville, NY on Tuesday, June 24th at 11:00AM with a burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation (Walkill East Rotary, P.O. Box 4744, Middletown, NY 10941), the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., or the Wallkill East Rotary team of the Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer's (act.alz.org).