Leslie Alberta Bassham

Leslie Alberta Bassham (née Groetzinger), aged 93, passed away on July 21, 2024, in Richmond, CA. She was born on September 27, 1930, in Pasadena, California. Leslie dedicated her life to her family, her community and volunteer work, and her passions.

Leslie graduated from South Pasadena High School before earning a B.A. in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When working as a lab technician at UC Berkeley, with plans to continue her education in graduate school, she met her future husband, married, accompanied him on sabbatical, and settled down as a homemaker. She raised five children and was essential as a grandmother. An active member of different PTAs, she volunteered for years at public school libraries, for which she received many commendations and awards from the West Contra Costa County School District.

Leslie was actively interested in geology, lapidary, and rock hunting. She pursued a hobby in furniture refinishing, showing a characteristically meticulous attention to detail. She was adventurous, and enjoyed traveling, camping, and gardening, and was an avid fan of history, biographies, and tales of adventure.

Leslie was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Bassham (known to friends as Al), and their son, Eric A. Bassham. She is survived by her children, Glen Bassham, Helen Bassham, Frank Bassham, and Susan Bassham, as well as her grandson, Ben Bassham.

Leslie will be remembered in a private, family-only celebration of her life in September 2024. Her legacy of warmth, truthfulness, sense of fair play and wonderful humor will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends