Helen T. (Paulson) Bassett, age 98, of North Haven formerly of East Haven and New Haven passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2016 at her home.  She was the beloved wife and sweetheart of 60 years to the late Wally Bassett.  Helen was born in New Haven on May 1, 1918 to the late Frederick and Sarah Theresa Curran Paulson, the youngest of four siblings. She attended school at Commercial High School in New Haven graduating in 1936 and continuing on to Larson’s Business College. Helen worked in the men’s department of Sears & Roebuck for many years before her retirement in 1989. After going to a show with friends, Helen met Wally and it was love at first sight. The two were married in 1946 and together, they raised their children. In her later years she enjoyed watching Mass on television when she was no longer able to attend. Helen was a member of the American Legion Post #76 Women’s Auxiliary for many years. She enjoyed going to plays, spending time with friends and traveling with her sweetheart. Her greatest joys and blessings in life were her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Helen is survived by her children, Wally Bassett of North Haven, Helene “Cricket” Simjian of North Haven, with whom she resided, and Carolyn (Lorren “Mac”) McMillian, Sr., of Hamden, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. She also leaves behind many nieces/nephews and her beloved pet and constant companion, Jack. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son-in-law James Simjian, her daughter-in-law Donna Bassett, her granddaughter Kelly Lumbra Burnham, her brothers and sisters-in-law Frederick & Kay Paulson, William & Eleanor Paulson and Joseph & Mildred Paulson and her nephew John Paulson.  

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Friday morning at 9:30.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Barnabas Church at 10:00.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Thursday (TODAY) from 4 to 8 pm.  Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Haven, Inc. 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT  06473.