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Austin American-Statesman, Texas, Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Michelle Bassett
Michelle Segall Bassett, born July 23, 1955 in Austin, passed away on October 4, 2025. She grew up on Lake Austin in a home situated on the water's edge directly across from Mt. Bonnell. West Lake Hills was "the country." When not skiing or sailing the Sunfish, Michelle rode her quarter horse through the hills, rarely encountering either human being or vehicle.
At that time, there was one school in West Lake Hills: Eanes Elementary, with one classroom per grade. After completing sixth grade, Eanes students commuted to "town" to O. Henry Jr. High and Austin High. An awkward situation occurred in the Segall family when Westlake High opened in 1969 and Michelle was scheduled to go there. She rather emphatically said, "no, thank you" and implored her parents to pay AISD tuition so that she could continue at AHS. They agreed, even though the Eanes district had just employed her father as the consulting engineer on the shiny new school.
Michelle loved all things Austin High and considered it an honor to be a Maroon. Red Jackets (the AHS drill team) provided some of her very best times and fondest memories with lifelong friends. Graduating in 1973, she went to the University of Arizona, where she pledged Pi Beta Phi. After freshman year, she transferred to TCU and completed her BBA. The next dozen years were spent in Corpus Christi and Galveston, where she developed a love of saltwater fishing.
Michelle worked in sales for a handful of large and medium-sized companies but also had the pleasure of teaching senior English in a small parochial high school in Galveston, forming lifelong friendships with both students and parents.
In 1990, Michelle and then-husband Ron Bassett moved back to Austin just in time to give birth to daughter Caroline. She lived in the same house not three miles from her childhood home on the lake for most of the remainder of her life. Though she and Ron parted ways in 1995, she fondly remembered their many adventures into the interior of Mexico, usually towing a fishing boat. They managed to stay out of serious trouble, met many interesting people, and had loads of fun.
In the early 90s, Michelle was elected to the West Lake Hills city council. She served two terms and holds the distinction of being the only native-born West Laker elected to public office in the city. By the mid-90s, as a single mother, Caroline and career required her full attention. She worked for a division of the Walt Disney Company and two other large companies designing and equipping early childhood, public school, and college classrooms. During her later years before retiring, Michelle owned Home Remedy, a small firm that recruited and placed home care for elderly and disabled people who wished to remain in their homes. Finally, in 2023, she opened Corwin Hills Equestrian Club with friends Katie Quinlan and Stephanie Palmer.
Having served on several charitable boards, Michelle found her calling with Stephen F. Austin High School Continuing Education Foundation (AHSCEF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that funds need-based scholarships for Austin High students who might otherwise be unable to go to college. She served on their board for many years with a wonderful group of dedicated Maroons who are passionate about helping deserving AHS kids get a head start.
Everyone who knew her was aware of the special place Michelle had in her heart for dachshunds. Over the years, she and Caroline adopted a grand total of ten low-riders. Her other animal loves were her horses, Bucket and Tucker. She was never happier than when seated firmly in the saddle. Around ten years ago, at daughter Caroline's urging, Michelle began playing Texas Hold 'em. They made dozens of raucous poker trips to Las Vegas, and she was lucky enough to find an enthusiastic group of players in Austin, a number of whom became friends.
Michelle was predeceased by her parents, Mimi and B Segall; aunt, Marjorie Kokernot; uncle, Ralph Segall; cousin, Johnny Kokernot; and her godparents, Pat and George Warren. She is survived by her beloved stepson, Robson Bassett; former husband, Ron Bassett; a host of incredibly loving girlfriends; cousin, Suzee Robison; and daughter, Caroline Michelle Bassett.
"Caroline is my hero, my inspiration. She's the wind beneath my wings. She has the purest, kindest heart, the quickest mind, and the most outrageous sense of humor of anyone I've ever known. She is the love of my life and my angel."
Charitable donations may be made to AHSCEF, c/o Austin Trust Co., 336 S. Congress, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78704.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1955 - 2025 (70 years)