Louella May Bassett (nee Thorsen) was born in Houston, Texas on May 4, 1928 and passed away in Burns Lake, B.C. on February 14, 2013.
She was one of six children and her family moved fairly often which made her connection with her family very important. She loved school and looking after her younger siblings and nieces and nephews.
In 1956 Louella's young family moved to Canada to join other family members already here. They settled at Tchesinkut Lake and called that area home for the next 56 years. For a while Louella was a single mom and provided for her kids as best she could, she worked at a variety of jobs during this time. In 1969 she married Neal "Smoky" Bassett and he moved into the cabin at the lake, later building their dream house with 'The best view'.
Louella was well known in the neighbourhood for her love of gardening, raising both award winning vegetables and show stopping flowers. She instilled this love of nature in all her children. Many happy hours were spent with family and friends and everyone was always welcome for a cup of coffee or a card game. Louella loved fishing and many hours were spent out on the lake with her sister Hap.
Many people will remember the years she spend working in and then owing Lakes District stationery. The coffee pot was always on in the back of the store and it became a gathering place at the mall.
Retirement freed up more time for her garden and time at the card table was never considered wasted. Sunday dinners at her table became a ritual for her family and Christmas dinner just wasn't right until she made her special kick@$$ stuffing. Grandma's house was always noisy and fun and games were the priority.
Louella moved into the Pines in December 2010 where she spent her remaing years.
She was predeceased by her husband Smoky and her son Jerry. She is survived by her loving children; daughter Karen (Sunny), Tim (Rita), Rick (Doris), Kerry (Pat), Mark (Gail), step-daughter Linda (Billy), her daughter-in-law Kim (Pete), her sister Janie (Richmond) and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Louella was interred in the Burns Lake Cemetery and a family graveside service was held on February 16, 2013. Donations may be made to the Pines in Louella's honour.