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Dery Funeral Home, 21 February 2024
Rita Mary Bassett
Rita Mary Bassett passed away peacefully at her home in Pittsfield, MA on February 15, 2024. She was 93 years of age.
Born on April 10, 1930 to parents Joseph Vincent Florini and Anne Alongi in North Adams, Rita was the granddaughter of the late John B. and Mary A. Rosasco Florini of North Adams, MA.
Rita grew up as part of a large and loving North Adams family and had many fond and loving recollections of her youth at the family farm on South Church St. She graduated from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vt in 1949 after graduating from Drury High School, North Adams, MA in 1947. Rita then obtained her medical technologist license from St Luke's Hospital School of Medicine in 1951. She met her husband, Harold R. Bassett, Jr. at a Stanley Club dance and married him on July 26, 1952 at St. Anthony of Padua church in North Adams, MA. Together, they raised six children over the years in Pittsfield Ma.
In 1969, when her youngest son was 5, she returned to work as the Assistant director of the Pittsfield Girl's Club, later being named Director of the Camp Stevenson and Witawentin programs on Onota lake, a job she truly loved. Upon retiring, she continued her education at North Adams State College, obtaining degrees in philosophy, education, and sociology/counseling.
Throughout her life, Rita enjoyed playing and teaching the game of bridge, and was also a long-time member of the Pittsfield College Club, where she had served as treasurer for 6 years, did publicity, and held a monthly symposium in her home. In addition, she was a member of the Theosophy Society and also a facilitator for a Course on Miracles.
She leaves behind her 5 children: Mark Bassett and wife Jayne of Saratoga Springs, NY, Valerie A. Bassett of Florence, MA, Jacqueline A. Leibinger of Pittsfield, MA, with whom she resided, Sandra L. Bassett and husband Thomas Donahue of Dawsonville, GA, and Michael Bassett of Naples, FL, (with whom she resided for 4 years). She leaves 3 grandchildren: Haley Bassett Pierson and husband Samuel Dibble of Easthampton, MA, Mark John Bassett of Los Angeles, CA, and Olivia Bassett Hazell and husband Sam Hazell of Pine Island, FL. She also leaves 3 great grandchildren: Nolan and Gavin Pierson Dibble of Easthampton, MA and Serena Grace Hazell of Pine Island, FL.
Rita was predeceased by her son Matthew Bassett on September 16, 1984 and her husband, Harold R. Bassett, Jr. on January 8, 1993. She was also predeceased by her siblings: John A. Florini of Pittsfield, MA, and June Florini Tierney of Westfield, MA.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 1 at 1:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield. A graveside service is planned for a later date. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made in Rita's honor to the MCLA Science and Innovation Center, Church St, North Adams, MA 01247. Dery Funeral Home, Pittsfield, MA, is in charge of funeral arrangements. Please visit www.DeryFuneralHome.com to leave condolences.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1930 - 2024 (93 years)