Barbara J. Bassett

BARRE - Barbara Josephine Bassett, 84, passed away on March 5, 2026, at her home in Barre, Vermont. Barbara was born on July 5, 1941, in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. She was the youngest of the 4 children born to Claude Bassett and Orphise Perras Bassett.

Barbara is survived by her nieces, Leilani and Heather (Antonio), and her great-nieces, Brisa, Maya, Serena, and Marlinda, who all live in California. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister, Claudette in 2021, her brother Ashley in 2019, and her brother Ernest, who tragically passed away in 1952.

Barbara spent her early years in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Her family had a restaurant in Beecher Falls, VT, which bordered Canada and New Hampshire. They also owned Camp Claudette, on Averill Lake near Canaan, VT. Camp Claudette stayed in the family until the early 2000’s, and Barbara always enjoyed her time at the Camp. She grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping with her father and brothers. Barbara was a self-professed tomboy and was most at home at the Camp or in the surrounding woods.

Barbara went to Holy Ghost Convent School in Graniteville, Spaulding High School in Barre, and then attended Vermont College in Montpelier where she learned secretarial skills. She was employed by the State of Vermont, as a secretary for the Department of Education. She spent 35 years working as a secretary for the Driver’s Education Program. Her office was across the street from the Vermont State House, where she had a view of the golden dome. Barbara retired from the State in 1996.

Barbara lived most of her life in Graniteville where her grandmother, and then her parents ran the boarding house for the Rock of Ages granite quarry. She moved to the newer, smaller boarding house in 1964, after the “Big House” was torn down. Her mother did the cooking for the boarding house, not a skill that Barbara acquired.

After her mother died in 1984, Barbara stayed in various apartments in Barre and Montpelier. She lived alone until her sister came to live with her in 2008.

Barbara always liked to socialize and was an active bowler in her 20’s and 30’s. She was raised in the Catholic Church and spent much of her free time in various activities supporting the church. She always wanted to be a nun and was involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement of the Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, May 22nd at noon at St. Monica Catholic Church in Barre. A committal service will be held immediately after the service at the family plot at St. Sylvester Cemetery. It will be followed by a reception at Barbara’s cousin’s house: 28 Maple Ave, Barre, VT.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer St. Barre, Vermont 05641.

Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street, Barre, VT

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com