When Gabriel and I decided to get married, I told him that half the reason I wanted to marry him was so that I could have the best mother-in-law in the world. And she absolutely was! I will always miss her.
We are sending you our prayers from the old continent. Gabe always was so proud of you, talking about you with love and admiration.
Lori B,
It's Jeffrey Lee! Thank you for being an advocate for me. You were always there to offer your ideas and unconditional support. My mother and I never could figure out a victorious pathway in our many scrabble matches over the years. Rest in peace. I see many or your wonderful traits in Gabe. May your memory be a blessing.
Your mother's wit and intelligence always brightened the room.
She was a kind, funny, brilliant and loyal friend.
She was a remarkable woman and it is wonderful that she retained her amazing intellect. 91 years of joy and music!
She was a stalwart in our bridge community and I always enjoyed her wit and great sense of humor. She was totally unflappable. I loved seeing her and Gabriel playing together, like a couple of pals.
Her force of personality was admired by all those who knew her.
Lorrie was a dear friend for decades - we met at French Class and were night students together until she told me she was “deserting” me to attend the day class. But we frequently lunched together and she introduced me to the mystery club at the Mechanic’s Library. I will miss her every day as I know her family is doing.
When Lorraine joined my book club this year, she introduced herself by saying: I’m known to be the grumpy old lady, so I’d rather let you know now. I said: well, true, sometimes you’re a little bit grumpy, but you’re also funny and have very interesting things to say. She kind of growled … She always made me smile. I really liked her and appreciated her contribution.
My mom would always refer to Laurie as “your Jewish mother” and I reflect on her life with many happy thoughts. Mrs.Bassan was truly an impactful, positive influence on me during our Framingham years. Gabe I know Ruth was the first to greet her and show her around in heaven!
I have to agree with Sangeeta! She was the best mother-in-law a girl could have! And the most wonderful Grandma to my kids! I will miss her so much. As I write this I am teary with all the great memories of my times with her.
Lorrie always made me laugh -- in person because she had such a sharp, engaging wit and over the telephone because she had an iron determination to conclude every call in about 30 seconds. She was the San Francisco grandmother to our boys, and the magnet that drew a far flung group together for 20 years of wonderful Thanksgivings. Cindy, Gabriel, Jacob, and I all miss her.
An example of the engaging wit to which Gordon refers: When Gabriel was fighting cancer and had the choice to take 36 rads or 24 rads of radiation, he was told that 36 rads was more likely to kill the cancer but would also noticeably reduce his IQ. Lorrie's response was to ask the doctor if he could "just shave a few points off Gabriel's Scrabble score." (Gabriel opted for 24 rads.)
I really got to know Lorraine at pre-bridge dinners at Firewood. She was my entry to French Class. We'd joust back and forth in both languages. But I could never outdo the lightning speed delivery of her zingers. A worthy opponent in every way. And yes, adorably grumpy. Tu nous manques Lorraine.
I met Lorraine at The French Class while she was a longtime student. She loved reading books and made sure we knew her preferences! We will miss her.
I never had any grandparents in the Bay Area, but from the time I was born it was Laurie Bassan’s mission to make me forget that. She would feed me yogurt as a child and as I grew she would feed me nuggets of wisdom. I last saw her at thanksgiving; her wit and love of life was the same as ever. She was sharp as a tack but always sweet and for that rare combination I will always love her.
Lorrie Bassan is one of my favorite all time people. She was classy, funny, sharp, insightful, thoughtful, decent, and exceptionally warm and kind. Thanksgivings at her SF home are legendary for us; my kids would fly across the country to make sure they didn’t miss it. Almost a quarter century ago, she informed me that our son was going to be “very smart.” How could she possibly know this about a 4-month old? Because he laughs at jokes, she said. And humor is the strongest indicator of intelligence.How very true, particularly in her case. I’ve saved her emails, not very many – but each a golden nugget. I will miss everything about her so very much. May her memory be for a blessing.
"Are you Lorrie's son? I just heard. She was a grand lady."
