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Koschek-Mancuso Funeral Home
Marlene A. Bassett
August 21, 1937 ? August 20, 2026
Marlene A. Bassett, a devoted Christian, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 20, 2026, in Newton, New Jersey, one day before her 89th birthday. She was born on August 21, 1937, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, and lived a life marked by faith, service, and steadfast love for her family and community.
Born to the late Alice Hritz Byzek and John A. Byzek, Marlene grew up with the values of hard work, devotion, and self-reliance that would guide her throughout her life. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Norene Fireman and by her brother, John Byzek. Those who knew her remember a woman of fierce independence, someone who carried herself with dignity and compassion.
Marlene dedicated much of her professional life to her work as a lead system analyst in data entry, serving most of her career at Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey. Her work reflected the same careful attention and reliability that she brought to all that she did. She was respected for her commitment, her engaging presence, and the good-natured professionalism with which she met each responsibility.
Faith was a constant presence to Marlene?s life. She was a devout member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Roebling, New Jersey, where she served faithfully as a cantor. Her beautiful voice led the choir for many years at St. Nick?s. Her solos during the Christmas season are particularly remembered. With her faith, she lived seeking humility and purpose.
Outside of work and church, Marlene loved all of the arts -- the performing arts in particular. She gave generously of her time as a regular volunteer at the McCarter Theater Center in Princeton, New Jersey, and at the Bristol Riverfront Theater in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Her social network ran through these organizations. Her willingness to serve whatever task needed was a hallmark of who she was.
Marlene cherished her family. She is survived by her six children, Paul Bassett, Susan Bassett, Kristina Dinich and her husband Ken, Nancy Balliet, Michael Bassett and his wife Sandra, and Robert Bassett and his wife Cindy; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Janet Potts and her husband John, Alicia Byzek, and her brother, Jode Byzek and his wife Denise. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the eldest child herself, she considered herself the matriarch of the family and would cheekily remind you of this fact.
In the days ahead, her family and friends will hold close the memory of a woman whose life was richly lived and whose legacy will continue through the generations she so dearly
loved. There are no shortage of stories and memories that bring us much joy. We will gratefully remember her laughter. She lives on in our imagination.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend her graveside service and interment which will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church Cemetery, US Rt. 130 South, in Mansfield Township, New Jersey. Fr. Yuriy Oros will officiate the prayer service.
In lieu of flowers, Marlene?s family requests, if you so choose, make an online donation, in her memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/media-campaign-donation-page or to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU.
A special thank you to the extraordinary staff at Homestead Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Newton, NJ and well as the brilliant hospice team at Ennoble Care. Thank you.
The Koschek-Mancuso Funeral Home has the honor and privilege to serve Marlene's family during this difficult period.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1937 - 2026 (88 years)