MORPHEW, Dorothy Richards- 91, of Englewood, Florida and Cape Neddick, Maine ascended from an angel on earth to an angel in heaven as she passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by caregivers and family at the home of her son, Dana Bassett in Woodstock, Georgia just before sunrise on April 13, 2010. Dorothy was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on August 4, 1918 to George R. Richards who was killed in battle during World War I and her loving Mother and best friend Evangeline Booth Richards, both originally of Newfoundland, Canada. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 20 years and lifelong friend Joseph W. Morphew, who served valiantly in the USN during WW II, and passed in 2002, and former husband of 26 years, Joseph A. Bassett, who served valiantly in the U.S. Army Infantry during WW II, and passed in 1999. Dorothy was a graduate of the Boston Institute of Art and served with great honor in World War II as a US Navy WAVE from 1944 to 1946. She then worked as a graphic artist and throughout her life taught various art classes including painting, pottery and ceramics. She also owned and ran several retail art businesses. In 1963 Dorothy became a licensed Real Estate Broker and owned and operated Basset Real Estate Company for the next fifteen years which grew to two offices and six employees.
She was listed in the Marquis Who's Who of American Women for "demonstrating outstanding achievement ...and contributing to the betterment of contemporary society", the Rockingham County Board of Realtors, lifetime member of the US Navy WAVES National, Maine Unit 41, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Englewood, Florida Art Centre, The United States Golfers Association, the Englewood Florida United Methodist Church, and the First Parish Congregational Church of York, Maine. She was an accomplished tennis player while in the Navy, and was still playing golf and bowling at age 91. She was an avid reader, reading a dozen books a week, always with a cup of hot British tea by her side and a prolific and talented letter writer and artist; from creating crafts and pottery to magnificent paintings. Dorothy lived a life of faith and giving, always selfless and caring for others even in her final days. Her concern was never for herself, but always for others. She leaves her family and friends with fond memories and an example of how to live with great dignity and high morals and faith; helping others and giving, always with love and grace. Surviving brothers are William Richards of Beverly, Mass and Gordon Richards of Ryegate, Montana. She was predeceased by brothers, Harold and John Richards. She will forever be an angel and inspiration to her surviving sons Jon Bassett of Wells, Maine, Marc Bassett of Carbondale, Colorado, and Dana Bassett of Woodstock, Georgia and grandchildren Joseph Bassett of New Hampshire, Sara Bassett of New Hampshire, Jeremiah Bassett of Connecticut, Natalie Bassett of Colorado, Tyler Bassett of Georgia, Chase Bassett of Georgia, cousin Jeanne and Aunt Kay Richards, 97, of St. John's, Newfoundland, many other relatives in Newfoundland and more than 30 nieces and nephews in the United States.
A memorial service celebrating a life well lived will be held at the First Parish Congregational Church, 180 York St., York, Maine on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9th, 2010 at 4 p.m. with military honors. Family and friends will gather after the service at a home on 83 Ocean Avenue Extension near "Short Sands Beach" overlooking the ocean in York Beach, Maine.
In lieu of flowers donations to some of Dorothy's favorite charities, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, The Salvation Army, or The St. Labre Native American Indian School are suggested, in her honor. Special thanks to Dr. Juliette E. Coleman of Venice, Florida, Dr. Jœl W. Keenan of York, Maine, and Nurse and caregiver Salome Sadera of Nairobi, Kenya, Africa for helping us have another precious year with Dorothy by the grace of God and Dorothy's strong will and faith.
(Dorothy's mother, Eva B. Richards Keene, was the youngest daughter of Abram and Frances (Russell) Richards of Bareneed, NL.
Her siblings were: Naomi Richards Riddle; William Richards (Lizzie Hayes); Lily (Ben) Batten and Allen (I.A.) Richards, LLB.
Allen was her favourite brother. Her step-mother was Naomi Russell Richards (mother of Allen).
Allen's widow. Kathleen, and daughter, Jeanne live in St. John's, NL.)
Ever loved and missed by Aunt Kay and Jeanne.