Helen was born Feb. 13, 1940, in Cape May, New Jersey.

Helen enjoyed crafts, gardening and decorating her home. She worked several jobs in retail and as an administrative assistant until she retired. When her children were younger, she would often come home from work and sew clothes, clean and cook for her family.

Later in life, Helen and Denny had two houses built and enjoyed working around their home. They were unafraid to take on challenging work when their houses were built, including clearing land and taking down trees, in addition to many finer details of decorating.

In addition, Helen used her skills to become a local folk artist who sold her handmade crafts locally for more than 40 years. Crafts were her favorite hobby.

Helen will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 45 years, Dennis Joseph Basista; daughter, Helen (Judd) Gaylord; son, Bryan (Andrea) Shaffer; daughter, Katherine Glenn (James Andrews); sisters, Edith Hawes and Joan Thompson;13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her dear son, Vernon Dale Shaffer; dear daughter, Patricia Ann Niemi; and son-in-law, Robbie Niemi.

Private services were held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Jackson-Milton Chapel. Helen was laid to rest in Lordstown Cemetery, surrounded by her loved ones.

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Helen Basista 1940-2023

LORDSTOWN — Helen Addle Thompson Basista peacefully passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at the age of 83.

Helen was born Feb. 13, 1940, in Cape May, New Jersey.

Helen enjoyed crafts, gardening and decorating her home. She worked several jobs in retail and as an administrative assistant until she retired. When her children were younger, she would often come home from work and sew clothes, clean and cook for her family.

Later in life, Helen and Deny had two houses built and enjoyed working around their home. They were unafraid to take on challenging work when their houses were built, including clearing land and taking down trees, in addition to many finer details of decorating.

In addition, Helen used her skills to become a local folk artist who sold her handmade crafts locally for more than 40 years. Crafts were her favorite hobby.

Helen will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 45 years, Dennis Joseph Basista; daughter, Helen (Judo) Gaylord; son, Bryan (Andrea) Sheriff; daughter, Katherine Glenn (James Andrews); sisters, Edith Awes and Joan Thompson;13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her dear son, Version Dale Sheriff; dear daughter, Patricia Ann Nimbi; and son-in-law, Robbed Nimbi.

Private services were held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Hissing-Roared Funeral Homes, Jackson-Milton Chapel. Helen was laid to rest in Lordstown Cemetery, surrounded by her loved ones.

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