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The Seacoast Online, May 5, 2010
Dorothy Richards Morphew (Picture included)
WOODSTOCK, Ga. - Dorothy Richards Morphew, 91, of Englewood, Fla., and Cape Neddick, Maine, ascended from an angel on Earth to an angel in heaven, as she passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by caregivers and family at the home of her son, Dana Bassett, just before sunrise Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Dorothy was born Aug. 4, 1918, in Cambridge, Mass., to George R. Richards (who was killed in battle during World War I) and her loving mother and best friend, Evangeline Booth Richards, both originally of Newfoundland, Canada. Dorothy was a graduate of the Boston Institute of Art and served with great honor (in World War II) as a U.S. Navy WAVE from 1944 to 1946. She then worked as a graphic artist and throughout her life, and taught various art classes - including painting, pottery, and ceramics. She also owned and ran several retail art businesses. In 1963, Dorothy became a licensed real estate broker and owned and operated Bassett Real Estate Company for the next 15 years, which grew to two offices and six employees. She was listed in the Marquis Who's Who of American Women for "demonstrating outstanding achievement ...; and contributing to the betterment of contemporary society." She was a member of the Rockingham County Board of Realtors; lifetime member of the U.S. Navy WAVES National, Maine Unit 41; the American Legion Auxiliary; the Englewood (Fla.) Art Center, the United States Golf Association, the Englewood (Fla.); and the United Methodist Church and the First Parish Congregational Church of York, Maine. She was an accomplished tennis player while in the Navy, and was still playing golf and bowling at age 91. She was an avid reader, reading a dozen books a week, always with a cup of hot British tea by her side. She was a prolific and talented letter writer and artist - from creating crafts and pottery to magnificent paintings. Dorothy lived a life of faith and giving, always selfless and caring for others, even in her final days. Her concern was never for herself, but always for others. She leaves her family and friends with fond memories and an example of how to live with great dignity and high morals and faith; helping others and giving, always with love and grace. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and lifelong friend of 20 years, Joseph W. Morphew (who served valiantly in the U.S. Navy during World War II), who passed away in 2002; and former husband of 26 years, Joseph A. Bassett (who served valiantly in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II), who passed away in 1999. She was also predeceased by brothers Harold and John Richards. Surviving brothers are William Richards, of Beverly, Mass., and Gordon Richards, of Ryegate, Mont. She will forever be an angel and inspiration to her surviving sons, Jon Bassett, of Wells, Maine, Marc Bassett, of Carbondale, Colo., and Dana Bassett, of Woodstock, Ga.; and grandchildren, Joseph Bassett, of New Hampshire, Sara Bassett, of New Hampshire, Jeremiah Bassett, of Connecticut , Natalie Bassett, of Colorado, Tyler Bassett, of Georgia, and Chase Bassett, of Georgia; cousin Jeanne; and Aunt Kay Richards, 97, of St. John's, Newfoundland; many other relatives in Newfoundland; and more than 30 nieces and nephews in the United States. Special thanks to Dr. Juliette E. Coleman, of Venice, Fla., Dr. Joel W. Keenan, of York, Maine, and nurse and caregiver Salome Sadera, of Nairobi, Kenya, for helping us have another precious year with Dorothy - by the grace of God and Dorothy's strong will and faith. A memorial service celebrating a life well-lived will be held at 4 p.m. Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9, at the First Parish Congregational Church, 180 York St., York, with military honors. Family and friends will gather after the service at a home on 83 Ocean Avenue Ext., near Short Sands Beach, overlooking the ocean at York Beach. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Dorothy's favorite charities in her honor: the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, the Salvation Army, or the St. Labre Native American Indian School, are suggested.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1918 - 2010 (91 years)