Georgia “Peachie” Bassett, 74, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023 at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Towanda, PA. She was born on January 1, 1949 in Canton, Pennsylvania to George and Gwendolyn “Jane” Edwards, the third of four daughters. After graduating from Canton High School in 1966, she worked as a secretary until her retirement in 2000. Before Peachie died were her parents, George and Gwendolyn Edwards, her husband and love of her life, Captain Larry W. Bassett, brother, mother-in-law Norm Alexander, granddaughter Lindsay Jane Edwards, and her beloved son, Ryan Atherton-Ely, whom she cared for during his struggle cared for brain cancer with dedication and compassion. She is survived by her sisters Sherri Alexander, Sheila (Steve) Fitch and Shelley Edwards; Children: Jodi (Christopher) Kelley, David Atherton-Ely and Tara Vybiral; grandchildren: Shawn Edwards, Adelyn, Derek and Isabelle Atherton-Ely, Clayton and Ryan Vybiral, Georgia “Reese” Hineman, and Steven and Daniel Kelley; great-grandchildren, Darrin Hammaker and Scotty Edwards; countless nephews and nieces; select family members, Niki Pepper, Stephanie Roth and David Griffin; and dear friends Jeannie Schoonover, Judy Pickel, Barb Perry, Debbie Machmer, Fran Schulz, Jeff Pennachio, and Darrin and Korey Morse.
Peachie is remembered by many as a loving mother, grandmother and wife, and a caring friend. Peachie was a member of the Canton Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 429 and enjoyed hosting luncheons for the ladies of the Red Hat Society for several years. She enjoyed many activities including playing Euchar and poker, dancing, cooking, picnicking, listening to Elvis and country music, going on casino trips, camping and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was accompanying her dear husband, Captain Larry, on his boat, the Sea Dawg, on Lake Ontario. In 2010, Peachie proudly caught the 8th largest brown trout at the Lake Ontario Fall Fishing Derby. In 2001, Peachie and Larry embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as they rode their motorcycle across the United States and back. They spent many happy years together as husband and wife and as best friends.
Peachie was an exceptional cook who used her talents to express her love for others and to bring family and friends together. No matter how old you were, she insisted on making your favorite food and making you a cake for your birthday. She began planning menus for holidays, family reunions, and the annual Ryan’s Hope Memorial softball tournament, held to commemorate Ryan Atherton-Ely, weeks or even months in advance to make sure everyone was well fed and everyone had a good one had time. If you’ve ever been to Peachie’s for dinner, you’ve got food containers in your cupboards filled with the leftovers she was dying to send home. Peachie never forgot a birthday, anniversary, graduation or special event and always made sure everyone knew how much she loved them and how precious they were.
Peachie was unsurpassed in her selfless and devoted spirit and embodied everything it means to be a mother and grandmother. From rocking newborn babies, attending concerts, plays and sporting events, showing up with a meal and a helping hand, to traveling across the state to help you settle into your new home, Peachie has been an ever-present base and Comfort and caring care for her family near and far.
Peachie’s life will be honored with a memorial service on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at the Canton Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), 170 North Minnequa Avenue, Canton, PA 17724. Friends and visitors will be present at the reception in the church from 1:00 p.m. The memorial service will be followed by lunch at Canton Moose Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rock Run Animal Rescue through their website rockrunanimalrescue.org or to the Ryan’s Hope Memorial Softball Tournament Fund.
The Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton is helping the family organize. Condolences and memories of Peachie can be shared at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
