Marion Bassett Cantor, of blessed memory, passed away on Thursday, (May 5, 2011) surrounded by her children and sister. Born in New Haven, she was the beloved daughter of Betty and Philip Bassett and cherished sister of Judi Moskowitz and her husband, Alan, of Hamden. Marion was a brilliant student and life-long learner, attending Hillhouse High School and Brandeis University. Just prior to college, Marion captured the heart of her true love, Louis Cantor, with her bright smile, freckled face and great wit. The two of them lived their lives in Ellington for over forty years, where they were exceptional parents to their three children and their spouses: Rabbi Debra Cantor and Jim Beede of Newington, Michael Cantor and Shari Cantor of West Hartford, and Cindy Cantor Maher and Stephen Maher of West Hartford. Marion taught her children great life lessons of unconditional love, the power of humor and laughter, the importance of education, the value of music, art, and theatre, but most importantly – how to enjoy life as much as you are able, for as long as you can. She was a gifted musician, and taught music and piano to hundreds of children and adults. She loved her students, and they loved her back, counting on her not only to help them with their music, but also to offer wise counsel and friendship. Marion adored all eight of her grandchildren: Max and Penina Beede, Josh, Sam, Ben, and Jacob Cantor, and Kate and Rebecca Maher. She would always say, “You’ll see, when you’re a grandparent – you will love those kids like they’re your own.” Marion will be missed by many: her friends and Mahjong buddies, her cousins, her students, her in-laws, her nieces and nephews, and her Sandy, who provided help and companionship over the past few years.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT, followed by a short graveside ceremony at the Ellington Cemetery, 95 Maple Street, Ellington. The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Michael and Shari Cantor, 39 Colony Road, West Hartford, through Thursday night. Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with Minyan at 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Donations in Marion’s memory may be made to Congregation B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom, 180 Still Rd., Bloomfield, CT, 06002 or to The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106.
