Joan Petit Bassett

Joan P. Bassett was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Her parents were Camille Magdaline Caron and Joseph Armand Petit. Joan was raised in Chicago. She was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve her well throughout her life.

Joan was raised with one brother Armand Joseph Petit. Her sister Laverne Terese Petit passed away prior to Joan's birth. She graduated from Parker High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1947. Using her exceptional memory, she was able to learn much through observation. Joan always seemed to have a command of the facts and was able to make it seem as though she could easily master any problem that might be presented to her.

Always considered to be a solid friend, Joan was fortunate to have several very close friends during her life. She was committed to her friends and valued the trust she placed in them. It was not uncommon for Joan to go beyond the call of duty for others, and friends frequently sought her out for advice because she had a knack for coming up with practical solutions to any type of dilemma. While growing up, some of her best friends were Keith Scharmack and Mary Jean Farrell. Later in life, she became friends with Gayle Cushing.

She took the responsibility of marriage to heart, giving it her total commitment when, at the age of 50, she married Robert George Bassett. This was Joan's first marriage and she stepped into the role of step mother to Bob's four daughters, Diane, Barbara, Janice and Donna. Joan and Bob were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Laurie, Erin, Spencer, Debbie, Bobby, Dan, Rob, Alicia, Devon and Davis.

Joan greatly enjoyed what she did for a living. She was a hard worker who expected the same in return from her co-workers. Joan was an efficient worker whose primary occupation was as an employee of Commonwealth Edison for thirty eight years, from 1947 to 1984. Joan worked hard to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Joan 's favorite pursuits were needlework, sewing and doting on her beloved animals. Joan was a fashionista, loving Home Shopping Network, clothing and jewelry. She had a reputation for being well dressed. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Joan found pleasure in sports -- participating in the recreational sports of golf and snow skiing. She would watch her favorite sporting events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was baseball especially the Chicago Cubs. In her early years, Joan was a volunteer in the American Red Cross.

Joan was raised a devout Catholic. She was a sympathetic woman who valued her beliefs.

Joan enjoyed traveling and taking vacations. Among her favorite vacations were Lake Geneva, Montreal and Caribbean cruises.

Joan was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Joan’s favorites were Tiger and Tiger ll, both cats. Jac, Gypsy and Dottie, her dogs, were also part of the family.

Joan retired in 1984, choosing to remain in Illinois. Even in retirement, Joan continued to stay in touch with her old friends.

Joan P. Bassett passed away on January 2, 2012 in Lisle, Illinois. Joan had COPD for many years. She is survived by her step daughters; Diane Mannie, Barbara (Ron) Massey, Janice (Bruce) Kaiser and Donna (Dean) Dalton, and her grandchildren; Laurie, Erin, Spencer, Debbie, Bobby, Dan, Rob, Alicia, Devon and Davis.

Joan and Bob's nephew, Tom Bassett, was instrumental in helping Joan live in her home for the last 9 plus years. He and his wife Carol spent much of their time caring for Joan and helping her run her household.

Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Joan P. Bassett. She was committed to living the life of a good woman who was both practical and trustworthy. She was committed to the traditional values that she upheld her entire life. She committed herself to being a hard worker who expected the same effort in return from those around her. Most of all, she was committed to those she knew and loved.

Joan Petit Bassett, age 82, beloved wife of the late Robert G., survived by step-daughters Diane Manni, Barbara (Ron) Massey, Janice (Bruce) Kaiser and Donna (Dean) Dalton; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Joan was preceded in death by her brother Armand Petit and her sister who died as an infant. Retired 38 year employee of Commonwealth Edison. Visitation Saturday 9:00 am until time of funeral service at 10:00 am at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34). Interment Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Season’s Hospice and Palliative Care, 606 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. For information call 630-964-9392.