Geraldine "Gerrie" T. (Bassett) Deschenes

Geraldine T. (Bassett) Deschenes, 72, of Windham, NH, passed peacefully on December 26, 2018, surrounded by her family. “Gerrie” to her friends, “Sitto” to her grandchildren, she suffered from physical ailments for many years, some since birth, yet never let them hold her back from achieving much. Born in Methuen, MA on January 19, 1946, she was the only child of the late Michael Bassett, a Lebanese immigrant and owner of M.J. Bassett Hardware in Lawrence, and the late Salma Bassett of Lawrence, MA. From her parents she learned the importance of faith, family, and hard work, values she passed on to her children. Educated at Tenney High School in Methuen (Class of 1963) and Chandler School for Women in Boston. She worked in medical transcription, notably at Lawrence General and Holy Family Hospitals. She and her husband had two jobs each while their son and daughter were younger, so that they could provide their children with a solid upbringing and good education. After her children were older, she started her own medical transcription company, employing several women in multiple doctor’s offices throughout the Merrimack Valley. In addition to her dedication to her family, she had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary; even though wheelchair bound for the past decade, she made certain to attend Dormition (Assumption) services every August 15th. She was active at St. George Orthodox Church in Lawrence, serving as church school teacher and superintendent, youth advisor, and helping with parish events. Although an only child, she had several close friends whom she considered sisters, and she delighted in hearing stories about their children and grandchildren. Gerrie is survived by her beloved husband Real Deschenes of Windham, NH, her son Michael Deschenes and his wife Mary-Ellen of Tyngsboro, MA, and her daughter Danielle MacDonald and her husband Keith of Windham, NH. She was also the proud grandmother to Madison, Zachary, Olivia, Benjamin, and Alexandra, all of whom were a light in her life. Gerrie is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Gerrie’s family from 9 – 10:45 AM on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. George Orthodox Church, 8 Lowell Street, Lawrence, MA. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A funeral service will begin promptly at 11 AM at the church. Interment to follow at the United Lebanese Cemetery, 50 Corbett Road, Andover, MA. In lieu of flowers, to honor Gerrie's wishes, please consider a donation to the Larry Erban Scholarship Fund, St. George Orthodox Church, 8 Lowell Street, Lawrence, MA 01840. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Deschenes family.

Tributes

Geraldine "Gerrie" T. (Bassett) Deschenes

January 19, 1946 - December 26, 2018