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- St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 26, 2016
Shirley Martin Bassett
Bassett, Shirley Martin a longtime Clayton, MO resident and wife of prominent businessman Robert M. Bassett, died on June 21, 2016 at age 92. Born Shirley Frances Martin in St. Louis, she was raised in New Orleans, LA where she graduated from the Louise S. McGehee School. Her mother Sarah Fawcett Martin had performed in theatrical productions produced by the Shubert Bros., and her father Frank E. Martin was a stage performer who later owned and operated New Orleans-based Trico Coffee Co. In 1939 Shirley began attending Washington University and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. In 1941 she married Robert M. Bassett, a second-generation Clayton native who became a decorated Navy pilot in World War II, a partner in the public relations firm Paul Morris & Associates (later renamed Robert M. Bassett & Associates) and one of the founders of Fly Fisherman Magazine. They settled in Clayton, raised two children and were longtime members of First Unitarian Church of St. Louis. For many years Shirley was active in the Jane Austen Society. She served on its National Board and, as its Vice President in the 1980s, started the first Regional Chapter encompassing St. Louis. Similar to her parents, in her earlier years she was known as a memorable performer in St. Louis-area community theater and was one of the founding members of the West End Players. She was a devoted advocate of animal rights and active in Washington University's Lifelong Learning Institute. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sarah M. Bassett. Robert M. Bassett passed away in St. Louis in 1994, and their son Michael died several years later. Donations can be sent to Animal Protective Association of MO, 1705 South Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63144, www.apamo.org, or First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, 5007 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis 63108.
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Bassett Family Association Database
- 2016