She passed away at the Sault Area Hospital on February 5, 2026, just shy of her 90th birthday.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Jack Basham. She is survived by her children Ellen Basham (and her special friend Don), David Basham, and Nancy Basham. Proud grandmother to Robert Sartini (Jade), Cameron Basham, and Sarah Basham (Jourdan). Daughter of the late George and Verna Brown. Sister to Robert Brown (Lucille) and Shirley Boudreau. Aunt to Norman Barker, Jamie Barker, Wendy Feather, Ross Brown, Tucker Thompson, and Christina Brown. She also had many close friends including June, Betty, Anthony, Dave and Dawn, Debbie, Mary, Sherry, Dar and Dorinda.
Mary met Jack at the Forestry Laboratory in Maple, Ontario where they both worked. They got married in 1956 and raised three kids while living in Richmond Hill. In 1968 they moved to Sault Ste. Marie when Jack was transferred to the Great Lakes Forestry Centre. Together they loved traveling – exploring Canada’s coasts as well as much of the US and Europe over the years. After Jack died in 2014 Mary kept on traveling alone or with her children – showing how strong and independent she really was.
She had a huge heart and was super generous too. Besides being a loving homemaker she volunteered at the hospital gift shop, joined the Red Hat Ladies group actively, organized social events for Aquabics at Queen Elizabeth pool and sponsored kids in Botswana. Mary also regularly gave donations to Emmanuel Church and supported many charities all through her life.
Nanny always made sure her grandkids felt safe and loved whenever they visited her home – which was always full of smiles plus lots of good food and snacks nobody could beat! If any of us got a scrape or bump from playing hard she’d be first there wiping tears away making everything okay again.
She backed our interests in sports or music wholeheartedly encouraging us to chase our dreams but above all pushed education as something really important for each one of us.
I’ve always thought she was probably the strongest person I ever met. I hope she knew just how much happiness she spread around during her life because nearly everyone lucky enough to know Mary felt that kindness – thanks to that big loving heart of hers.
A church service celebrating Mary’s life will happen at Emmanuel United Church (224 Bennett Blvd., SSM) on Tuesday March 3rd 2026 starting at 11:00 am with lunch afterwards.
The family wants to thank some special caregivers who were dear to Mom – Dora, Mahi, Roz, Valerie, Joel, Marnie & Brett; also a big thank you goes out to Don for letting Mom stay at home until the very end like she wished.
If you want you can make memorial donations online or by cheque payable to Red Cross Canadian Cancer Society World Vision International or Covenant House Toronto.
You can leave your condolences for the family by visiting www. osullivanfuneralhome. com. Arrangements are handled by O’Sullivan Funeral Home located at 215 St James St., Sault Ste Marie ON P6A1P7 phone number 705-759-8456.
