Lida Marie (MacAulay) Bassler

Lida Marie MacAulay Bassler, 82, of Afton, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6 at her home surrounded by family.  She is survived by her husband, Richard L. Bassler, two daughters and sons- in-law, Elizabeth A. Maldonado (Martin) of Farmington, CT and Susan L. Belt (David) of Seafoam, Nova Scotia, four grandchildren, Alexander Maldonado (Katherine), Trevor Maldonado (Erin), Kiva-Marie Belt (Julianne Bennett) and Collin Belt (Austin Marcellus), 2 great grandchildren, Jacob Maldonado and Grace Maldonado and many other beloved family members and countless cherished friends. 

Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1941 to Marian Frances Mason MacAulay and Henry Thomas MacAulay, Lida and her parents moved to Troy, NY in 1944.  Lida graduated from Russel Sage College in Troy, NY with a B.A. in Fine Arts in 1963.  She went on to earn her master’s degree in English at SUNY Albany and began her career as an English teacher at North High School in Binghamton, NY.  In 1969, she accepted a position as the Chairperson of the English Department at Harpursville Jr. Sr. High School, teaching 11th and 12th grade English until her retirement.  Following her retirement, Lida continued to share her love of teaching by mentoring and educating young teachers through NYSUT. 

Lida was well known by friends and family as a talented and prolific poet, drawing on her love of people from all walks of life to inform her art.  She considered herself a “folk poet” and enthusiastically wrote poems for individuals, couples and groups to commemorate all manner of occasions.  In particular, Lida regularly wrote poems to open meetings of the Colesville Rotary Club where she and her husband, Richard, have been active members for many years. 

Lida was also an accomplished pianist, having first begun to play at age 4.  Over the years, she played at many area churches for church services, weddings and funerals.  Most notably, 32 years ago, Lida accepted a request to “fill in” as temporary organist at Harpursville United Methodist Church until a permanent organist could be found.  Lida accepted the assignment with passion and served in that capacity through the 2023 Christmas season. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17 at Harpursville United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Harpursville United Methodist Church, 3500 State Route 79, POB 23, Harpursville, NY 13787 or the Mount Thom Cemetery Association, c/o Betty Lou Scott, 840 Mount Thom Road, Saltspring, Nova Scotia B0K 1P0.

Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com. 

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