ALFRED - Virginia Foster Bassett, 101, passed away peacefully
at Jones Memorial Hospital on September 23, 2018 after a brief illness.
Virginia resided at Manor Hills Assisted Living Facility in
Wellsville, NY for the past three years. Previously, she made her home on West
University Street in Alfred for eighty-three years, having lived on both sides of
the same street from her teenage years into her late nineties.
Born on March 14, 1917 in Shongo, NY to Archie and Fannie
Clark Foster, Virginia was one of eight children. On April 4, 1946, she married
Leon Bassett who predeceased her in 1973.
Virginia met her husband while working as a telephone
operator in her early career. She was later employed by Alfred University
College of Ceramics and by Olive Watson, founder of Honey Pot Candy in
Alfred. Virginia purchased the business
and moved the operation to 41 West University Street in Alfred in 1977. She
created hand-dipped confections with the aid of her sister, Francelia McGraw.
Honey Pot Chocolates remains a thriving business under the direction of Connie
McGraw, Virginia's niece.
Virginia was very community minded and enjoyed fellowship at
the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Alfred. She was a loyal member of the
Republican Party in Allegany County.
Both local and national causes benefited from Virginia's generous
contributions of time and funds. Virginia was an avid reader, a fan of local
history, and baked the only truly great molasses cookies that ever existed.
Her parents, her siblings, William Foster, Dorotha Harris,
Archie Edward Foster, Fannie McGill, Francelia McGraw, Loie Odell, Eugene
Foster, their spouses, and a nephew, Dale Foster, all predeceased her.
Virginia is survived by twelve nieces and nephews, several
great-nieces and great-nephews and their offspring. Several cousins also
survive.
Strong-willed and incredibly resilient, Virginia will be
missed for her generosity, sharp wit and endless resolve.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 29,
2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Seventh Day Baptist Church on Church St. in Alfred,
NY. Rev. Christian Mattison will
officiate. Burial will be in Alfred
Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alfred/Alfred
Station Community Chest at P.O. Box 603 in Alfred, NY 14802. To leave online
condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
