Mary Bassett

Mary Leonard Bassett died September 27 ^th , 2019 at her home overlooking Lake Byllesby.  Preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Evelyn Leonard, brother Paul Leonard, and son Chris Bassett.  Survived by her loving husband, James W. Bassett.  Also survived by her children Tony (Kathy), Tim (Julie), Tom (Angela), Kevin (Susie), Larry (Kristina), Luke (Amy Lou), Maren (Bill), Daniel (Holly), and Margo (Andy) and grandchildren Zach, Garrett, Shannon, Brooks, Amanda, Tyler, Emily, Savannah, Alex, Austin, Mackinley, Gavin, Gabriel, William, Anderson, Liam, Avery, Cam, Quinn, Laney as well as 5 great-grandchildren.

Mary was a graduate of Plainview High School, received a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, and a Master’s of Education from the University of Minnesota.  She worked as an RN in Denver and Rochester, and eventually became an instructor of nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital.  She was later certified in a Health and Wellness program at St. Catherine University.

Mary spent countless years raising 10 children in Little Rock, Arkansas and Cannon Falls, Minnesota. To all who knew her, she embodied a true spirit of welcoming and inclusiveness.  Mary’s door was always open to the neighborhood friends, and she provided a welcoming place that many called home.  Her genuine love for people impacted everyone she met for the better.  Mary lived a life full of love, compassion, and service, yet was always up for adventure.  She slept in a tent along the banks of the Amazon River, ziplined through the jungles of Guatemala, and rode a camel among the pyramids of Egypt.  She was even convinced by college students to buy a pair of leather pants in Florence, Italy.

But her greatest pleasure had to be supporting her children and grandchildren.  Whether it be cheering from the bleachers at a game, sewing a wedding dress, or holding the newest grandbaby, she was always there with an encouraging word and a helping hand.  She brought grace and peace into the lives of everyone who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to Mayo Clinic Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care for providing incredible support and care for Mary during her last month of life. She was able to go out on her own terms, at home, looking out over the lake, surrounded by the love of family & friends.

Mary’s memorial service will be held on Monday, September 30 ^th , at 2:00 pm at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 410 W. Colvill, Cannon Falls, MN 55009.  Following the service, a celebration of life will be held from 3:30 to 8:00pm at the Cannon Golf Club, 8606 295 ^th St. E., Cannon Falls, MN 55009.  Lundberg Funeral Home of Cannon Falls is assisting the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.LundbergFuneral.com . In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Cannon Falls Library Foundation. www.givemn.org/organization/cannon-falls-library-foundation