Obituary of Barbara L. Bassett
Barbara Landis Bassett (Ziegler), daughter of Russell L. Ziegler and Sara D. Ziegler (Landis), passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2025, at her home in Bedford Hills, NY at age 70. A patient mother, devoted wife, and loving grandmother, her life was defined by kindness, strength, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Barbara shared a special love with her husband, Richard Dennis Bassett, with whom she enjoyed 45 years of marriage—a partnership marked by mutual support, unconditional love, and a lifetime of shared memories.
She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Lisa M. Weisbrod (Bassett) of Livermore, CA and Sarah E. Theriault (Bassett) of Hooksett, NH who continue to honor her legacy by upholding the values she instilled in them. Barbara was also a doting Grammy to Levi Theriault and Henry Theriault, whose lives were enriched by her gentle guidance, warmth, and endless affection.
A proud graduate of Memorial Hospital–Roxborough School of Nursing, Class of 1975 in Philadelphia, Barbara dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She had a long and distinguished career as a neonatal nurse, serving families with quiet competence and heartfelt compassion, first as an RN at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
When she moved to New York State, she began work as a neonatal ICU and pediatric nurse at Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and later at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY. She also brought her skills into the community, volunteering for flu shot clinics that took her on adventures to Times Square, MTV, and CBS studios. Later in her career, she served as a substitute school nurse and was a constant presence at her daughters' schools—volunteering as a class mom, chaperoning field trips, and leading Girl Scout troops.
Barbara’s devotion to others extended far beyond her work. She was a member of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) as well as the Nurses of America Association and took great pride in her nursing community. Her colleagues admired her dedication and looked to her as a mentor and friend.
Barbara had a vibrant spirit and many passions. Always a Pennsylvania girl at heart, she loved Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, shoo fly pie, and funny cake. She played clarinet in the Souderton High School marching band, and music continued to be a source of joy throughout her life—especially the songs of Billy Joel, Elton John, and John Denver.
She had an artist’s eye and a documentarian’s heart, always behind the camera capturing memories of family milestones and adventures. She loved photography, needlepoint, and exploring history—visiting sites like Boscobel, the Liberty Bell, and the Intrepid in NYC. Summers were spent in North Truro on Cape Cod, one of her favorite places to relax and enjoy time with loved ones, always described as her “happy place.”
Barbara brought warmth and humor to every room, with a dry laugh, a knowing smirk, and a twinkle in her eye that instantly put people at ease. Her love was steady, her strength quiet but enduring, and her legacy one that lives on in the many lives she touched.
She is survived by her husband, Richard D. Bassett; daughters, Lisa M. Weisbrod (Bassett), and Sarah E. Theriault (Bassett) and their husbands, Joseph R. Weisbrod and Levi J. Theriault III; grandsons, Levi J. and Henry R. Theriault; and sisters JoAnn Packtor (Ziegler) Elaine DeFazio (Ziegler), and Susan Miller (Ziegler).
A celebration of Barbara’s remarkable life will be held later this year in her honor by her surviving family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made in her name to the American Heart Association, reflecting the spirit of generosity and care that Barbara held dear.
Barbara’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and unconditional love. She will be remembered always for the way she cared—with grace, with humor, and with her whole heart.
