I could not have asked for a better Gramda!  The memories we made each summer were endless and it is what I looked forward to each year.  Playing cards, taking a walk, crabbing, going to the corner store for candy or just talking about life.  She will be missed by all.  I am so happy that we took the time to visit her several years back and had the opportunity for my kids to meet her.  She always brought a smile to your face.  We love you!
Love Paul, Kelly, Austin, Adam, Aiden

I have so many wonderful memories of my Grandma, who we affectionately referred to as "Chippie" for her outstanding chocolate chip cookies, from the early 1960's living across the street in the Bronx and our Saturday morning visits...our very long car drives every summer to North Tonawanda...the many trips to the Bronx Zoo with the kids when they were little...she was such a beautiful person who will be deeply missed...love you Grandma

My early memories of Grandma B. go back to the trips we would take from Houston to New York every couple of summers. After three days in the family station wagon listening to eight track tapes of Jim Croce, Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond we were ready to explore Grandma's three level house in the Bronx. We were not used to basements so loved the opportunity to explore all the things stored downstairs including playing on the shuffle board court. She also had a gigantic pantry that you could get lost in. The pantry was the preferred hiding place during our hide and seek games because you weren't likely to be found and it was always full of great treats. It was during these visits that Grandma introduced us to Pastina, which was a bowl of tiny little pasta mixed with butter. While this doesn't  sound like anything special, for some reason we just had to incorporate into our diet back in Texas.
As we got older and were less able to make trips to NY, Grandma made frequent trips to Houston during holidays and summer breaks. She would always bring Entemman's crumb coffee cakes with her. We quickly became hooked on these treats, a trait which has now been passed on to her great-grandchildren. 
During these visits we were also taught the game of May, I. This was a great little card game Grandma taught us that we would play for hours every day she was in town. She would tell stories of how the game was much more serious within her regular group of friends and how she let us bend some of the rules to ensure we kept it fun. Then she would proceed to win game after game with the "lucky" hands that were dealt her way. These card games produced many laughs over the years.
Making Christmas cookies with Grandma was a holiday activity the grandchildren, and in later years the great-grandchildren always enjoyed. Candy cane cookies, iced ornaments, and Grandma's favorite rum balls were all staples in the holiday cookie bins. 
Grandma's chocolate chip cookies were also world famous and some of the best ever baked. She always had a batch ready when she came to visit and when we got older she packed them in care packages to take to college.
For many years we anxiously looked forward to opening our Christmas presents from Grandma B. Whether it was a toy, clothing or other type of new gadget, it was a given that any gift from Grandma would be the best of the year. 
Throughout the years Grandma repeated several regular quotes to her grandchildren. They were always delivered with a gentle but firm demeanor and lot's of love. We had no problem getting the message. Here are a few:
Eat your vegetables
Finish your plate or no dessert
In my day we
Your mother would never allow that

Grandma eventually moved to Texas and we were very lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with her during these past years. While it took her a while to get accustomed to the Texas heat, she eventually came around and learned to enjoy life down South. Grandma's great-grandchildren also got to know her during this time. Amanda K. has special memories of feeding the ducks in the pond behind Grandma's apartment and of her chocolate chip cookies. All my children enjoyed waving to Grandma from their float in the annual 4th of July parade that passed by her apartment. And the Sunday dinners at Nonnie's house were always special with Grandma B. in attendance.
These are but a few anecdotes from the life of Emma Baessler from the perspective of one grandchild. I am confident that those in attendance who are friends, acquaintances, or family believe what I do, that Emma Baessler was an extraordinary person, a person whose legacy will live within all of us as we remember all the good times spent together throughout the years.

I am sorry that my family and I could not be with everyone and offer our sincere sympathy, but we are thinking of you all. Grandma was so loved by so many friends and family. She will remain forever in our hearts and everlasting memories. May she rest in peace. 

             Love,
        Pam, Richie & Madison Olivieri

OBITUARY

Emma D. Broker Baessler

December 2, 1912 – November 17, 2010

Kingwood Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services