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- The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, July 7. 2017
Rita J. Bassett
BASSETT (nee Blossom), the beloved teacher 'Mrs. Shields' passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer at the age of 58. Daughter to Patricia (nee Watson) and the late James Blossom, Wife of Gary H., Mother of Kelly Dunne (nee Shields) (St. John), Sister to Jeffrey (Deanna) and John (Polly), Aunt Yo-Yo to her nieces and nephews, and Grandma Ri-Ri to her grand-puppy, Tubbins. Rita was born in Chicago, and her family later relocated to Avon Lake, Ohio by way of Lima and Columbus. She graduated from ALHS in 1977, received her Bachelor's degree at John Carroll University and her Masters from Cleveland State. She dedicated her life to children and education. For 32 years she taught at Hilliard Elementary School in Westlake, inspiring the minds of students in both the 2nd and 3rd grades. She retired in 2014, but her love for the classroom prevailed, and she went back to work in Lakewood City Schools to teach reading. Rita was recognized as a top educator and received the Cleveland ACLD Teacher of the Year (1988), the Martha Holden Jennings Master Teacher Award, and the prestigious National Board Certification in 2008. Celebration of Life for Rita Bassett to be held on Saturday, July 22 from 12-3pm at Wagner's of Westlake, 30855 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145. Please RSVP on Facebook or to mrskellydunne@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, Rita asked that her friends, colleagues, former students and loved ones please share stories and cherished memories of her life. Please forward to maureenstanner@iCloud.com to be included in a memory book.
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Bassett Family Association Database
