Virginia Foster Bassett

Alfred, NY - Virginia Foster Bassett, 101, passed away peacefully at Jones Memorial Hospital on September 23, 2018 after a brief illness. 

Virginia resided at Manor Hills Assisted Living Facility in Wellsville, NY for the past three years. Previously, she made her home on West University Street in Alfred, NY for eighty-three years, having lived on both sides of the same street from her teenage years into her late nineties.  

Born on March 14, 1917 in Shongo, NY to Archie and Fannie Clark Foster, Virginia was one of eight children. On April 4, 1946, she married Leon Bassett who predeceased her in 1973. 

Virginia met her husband while working as a telephone operator in her early career. She was later employed by Alfred University College of Ceramics and by Olive Watson, founder of Honey Pot Candy in Alfred.  Virginia purchased the business and moved the operation to 41 West University Street in Alfred in 1977. She created hand-dipped confections with the aid of her sister, Francelia McGraw. Honey Pot Chocolates remains a thriving business under the direction of Connie McGraw, Virginia's niece. 

Virginia was very community minded and enjoyed fellowship at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Alfred. She was a loyal member of the Republican Party in Allegany County.  Both local and national causes benefited from Virginia's generous contributions of time and funds. Virginia was an avid reader, a fan of local history, and baked the only truly great molasses cookies that ever existed. 

Her parents, her siblings, William Foster, Dorotha Harris, Archie Edward Foster, Fannie McGill, Francelia McGraw, Loie Odell, Eugene Foster, their spouses, and a nephew, Dale Foster, all predeceased her. 

Virginia is survived by twelve nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and great-nephews and their offspring. Several cousins also survive. 

Strong-willed and incredibly resilient, Virginia will be missed for her generosity, sharp wit and endless resolve.  

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Seventh Day Baptist Church on Church St. in Alfred, NY.  Rev. Christian Mattison will officiate.  Burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alfred/Alfred Station Community Chest at P.O. Box 603 in Alfred, NY 14802. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.