Mary passed away at the Sault Area Hospital on February 5, 2026, at the age of 90.
She was predeceased by her husband Jack Basham. Mary is survived by her children Ellen Basham (with special friend Don), David Basham, and Nancy Basham. She was also a grandmother to Robert Sartini (Jade), Cameron Basham, and Sarah Basham (Jourdan). Mary was the daughter of George and Verna Brown, who have passed on. She leaves behind her siblings Robert Brown (Lucille) and Shirley Boudreau. As an aunt, she will be remembered by Norman Barker, Jamie Barker, Wendy Feather, Ross Brown, Tucker Thompson, and Christina Brown. Mary had many close friends including June, Betty, Anthony, Dave and Dawn, Debbie, Mary, Sherry, Dar and Dorinda.
Mary met Jack while working at the Forestry Laboratory in Maple, Ontario. They married in 1956 and raised three kids in Richmond Hill before moving to Sault Ste. Marie in 1968 when Jack transferred to the Great Lakes Forestry Centre. Together they loved traveling around Canada’s coasts as well as throughout the United States and Europe. After Jack passed away in 2014, Mary continued exploring both on her own and with family members-showing just how strong and independent she truly was.
A generous person with a huge heart, Mary was not only a dedicated homemaker but also volunteered at the hospital gift shop. She actively participated in the Red Hat Ladies group and served as social convener for Queen Elizabeth pool Aquabics while sponsoring children in Botswana. Additionally, she made regular donations to Emmanuel Church along with many other charities over her lifetime.
Nanny always ensured that her grandchildren felt safe and loved during their visits to her home filled with laughter-and of course-the best snacks anyone could ask for! If we got hurt from playing too hard or fell down while having fun, she was right there ready to comfort us with hugs that made everything better.
She wholeheartedly supported our interests in sports and music while encouraging us to chase our dreams. Most importantly though; she always stressed how crucial education is-believing firmly in each one of us every step of the way.
I’ve always thought of her as one of the strongest people I’ve ever known! I hope she realized just how much positivity she spread throughout life; nearly everyone lucky enough to know Mary felt touched by her kindness as she left behind an impactful legacy through that big loving heart.
A church service honoring Mary will take place at Emmanuel United Church (224 Bennett Blvd., SSM) on Tuesday March 3rd ,2026 , starting at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon afterwards.
The family wishes to thank all her favorite caregivers – Dora , Mahi , Roz , Valerie , Joel , Marnie & Brett. A special note goes out especially towards Don for ensuring Mom stayed comfortably within home until end-of-life per wish.
If you’d like make memorial donations please consider donating them towards Red Cross or Canadian Cancer Society or World Vision International & Covenant House Toronto via online payment or check.
Please visit www. osullivanfuneralhome. com if you would like leave condolences for family members affected by this loss. Arrangements were entrusted O’Sullivan Funeral Home located at (215 St. James Street., Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A1P7 ) phone number :705-759-8456.
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