Marie Abell Bassford 88 of Leonardtown, MD died December 27, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital.

Born June 23, 1921 in Clements, MD she was the daughter of the late Fulton Abell, Sr. and Noema Wathen Abell.

She was married to the late Bernard A. Bassford on November 1, 1944 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Compton.

Marie is survived by two sisters; Sister Sara Ann Abell, SCN, Nazareth Home, Louisville, KY and Loretta (Tiny) Taylor of St. Mary's City, MD. In addition to her parents and husband Mrs. Bassford was preceded in death by her brothers; Frank, Fulton, Jr., Walter and J. Perry Abell, three sisters; Catherine Colonna, Sister Alberta Abell, SCN and Sister Pauline Abell, SCN.

Marie was happy to claim a large number of god-children and had adopted many if not all of her nieces and nephews. Joyce Abramson, Mary C. Wood and Nancy C. Hayden, daughters of her sister Kitty were special to her as was Diane Abell Delahay, daughter of her brother Frank. A nephew Buddy Bassford of Annapolis was always there for her also.

Marie lived in Annapolis with her husband for 60 years and after his death she moved to Cedar Lane and gained many new friends and renewed old acquaintances. She was welcomed to her new parish, St. Aloysius Gonzaga by the church community and enjoyed participation in church affairs.

Marie loved being with family and friends, she also enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, horse racing, bowling and travel. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church with Reverend John Dakes officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be; Buddy Bassford, Frank Taylor, Bobby Taylor, Paul Colonna, Patrick Abell and Kevin Abell.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, P.O. Box 310, Leonardtown, MD and/or Sisters of Charity Nazareth, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.