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- Northwest Florida Daily News, December 18, 2014
Helen Bassett Dyke (1924 ? 2014)
On Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, Helen Dyke, at the age of 90, passed away and is now painting watercolors in Heaven with the angels.
Helen Bassett Dyke was born on Aug. 15, 1924, in Ridgefield, Conn. She was the youngest of four children born to Cleveland Bassett and Nellie Lewis Bassett. She had three brothers, Howard, Francis and Greg Bassett, who are now deceased. Helen grew up in the picturesque town of Ridgefield where she graduated from high school. After graduation she attended Averett Junior College in Virginia and then went to Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Helen married her high school sweetheart, Curtiss T. Dyke, Jr. during World War II. After the war they returned to Ridgefield and were blessed with three children, Suzanne, Jennifer and Christopher. While residing in Ridgefield she attended the Silvermine School of Art in Norwalk, Connecticut and studied with Herb Olsen, a noteworthy watercolor artist.
In 1957 Helen moved with her family to Sarasota, Fla., when her husband, Curtiss, an electronics engineer, was transferred to EMR. While living in Sarasota, Helen courageously survived breast cancer twice. Helen enjoyed taking art and ceramics classes at the local junior college and life classes at Ringling School of Art. She worked at a small private school teaching art to young students. Besides her passion for art, Helen was an avid gardener who grew orchids as a hobby. She also loved animals and had numerous pets over the years.
After 30 years in Sarasota, Curtiss retired from EMR. They then moved to Franklin, N.C., in the Great Smoky Mountains where Helen was instrumental in establishing an art association gallery in downtown Franklin. Many of Helen's watercolors reflect the natural beauty of the Smokies. Eventually, Helen and Curtiss built a home in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. where they spent the winters close to their children and grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Curtiss T. Dyke, Jr.; her daughter, Suzanne Dyke; and her son, Christopher Dyke. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Eric Clauson; and her grandchildren, Kimberly and Michael Clauson, who all reside in Santa Rosa Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association in her memory. A celebration of her life will be held in the near future. Please contact Jennifer Clauson at (850)267-3217 for more information.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1925 - 
d. 7 Jan 1965, Largo, Pinellas County, Florida