Mary-Lea Basset
December 18, 1950 - July 11, 2016

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Lea Clara Basset (nee Zentner) 65 years of Bruno announce her peaceful passing on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Humboldt District Hospital surrounded by her family. Mary Lea was born on December 18, 1950 to Edward and Emilie (nee Zimbrod) Zentner at Watson. Mary Lea obtained all of her education in Watson and went on to teacher’s college where she obtained her teaching certificate. She began teaching at St. Dominic School in Humboldt. Mary Lea was a very outgoing young lady full of enthusiasm and loved to have fun. One evening out socially with friends she met the love of her life Ken Basset. After an eleven month world wind romance they were wed in Humboldt on October 21, 1972. Mary Lea was very adamant that she was never marrying a farmer much less living on a farm, but love has a way of changing things and in 1975 Mary Lea and Ken moved to a farm in the Peterson district. She was so excited to find out they were having twins and she became a very proud mother of Alain and Andrea. Mary Lea thoroughly enjoyed being a mom but also loved teaching and was hired as a Special Ed teacher in Bruno. This love of teaching helped to make her decision to return to the U of S and in 1986 she obtained a Education degree. Mary Lea became the Vice Principal at Bruno Elementary and continued to teach Special Ed until 1996. In 1988 Mary Lea was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but did not give into the disease. She worked hard and fought a hard battle to stay active and mobile. Her life on the farm became her sanctuary and loved every minute there. She loved gardening, being out side cutting grass or any other activity that included sunshine. Christmas was her favourite holiday and would have everything decorated to perfection surrounding her self with angels. This occasion always included her very delicious scuffles. Mary Lea loved to entertain and their home was always open and busy with extended family and good friends. Relaxing in the Sun Room, sharing stories around a fire, and spending quality time with her grandchildren brought her much peace and comfort. She spent hours on the phone keeping in contact with her family and friends. Ken and Mary Lea had a very special relationship he was the rock and she was the glue their example of true love and commitment to their wedding vows was always demonstrated to their children, family, friends and community. Mary Lea was an incredible woman Fr. Joe was quoted in saying she was a “living saint”. She was a very positive person even when her body was weak she remained strong, positive and never gave up. Mary Lea will always be remembered for her beautiful smile which was something Ken loved from their first meeting right up to the end of her earthly life. During her last few days in the hospital she remained positive and always greeted everyone with that beautiful smile. Mary Lea has lived her life with this motto and hopes everyone else does too. "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, That’s why it's called the Present". So live each day to the fullest.  Mary Lea will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years Ken Basset of Bruno; Twin children Alain (Amanda) Basset of Bruno and children Taylor and Tristan and Andrea (Neil) Dielschneider of Saskatoon; and family Trace and Davin Dielschneider; Mother Emilie Zentner of Medicine Hat, AB; three sisters and two brothers: Elaine (John) Gill of Edmonton, AB, Estelle (Garry) Lux of Medicine Hat, AB, Gerard (Maureen) Zentner of Edmonton, AB, Peggy (Brad) Zeran of Victoria, BC and Ralph Zentner of Lethbridge, AB; mother-in- law Isabelle Basset of Bruno; numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Lea was predeceased by her father Ed Zentner, father-in-law Alain Basset Sr., brother-in-law Brian Basset (Cookie) and sister-in-law Faith Zentner. A Prayer Service was held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. and Funeral Mass was held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. both services were held from St. Bruno R.C. Catholic Church  Bruno. Celebrated by, Fr. Joe Ackerman.  Interment will follow at a later date at St. Agnes R.C. Cemetery Peterson. Memorial donations in Mary Lea’s memory maybe directed to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or St. Agnes Cemetery Fund Peterson.

This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home
Phone: 682-1622