FAIRHAVEN -- Nancy E. (Bassett) Mach, 64, of Fairhaven, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, at home after an extended illness. She was the wife of Leonard Mach. They were married for 45 years.
Born in Hyannis, the daughter of the late Allen and Barbara (MacKay) Bassett, she lived on the island of Cuttyhunk until she was 10 years old and lived in Fairhaven for most of her life. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and the lab technician program at St. Luke's Hospital.
She had a passion for the great outdoors, typified by her love of gardening and the Audubon Society.
Mrs. Mach was a talented artist whose art work has been shown at the Cuttyhunk Museum. She also exhibited and won ribbons at the art show of the Fairhaven Homecoming Festival.
Involved in genealogical research, she traced her family's roots back to the Mayflower.
A member of the Long Plain United Methodist Church, she was secretary of the church; a member of the Emmaus Community of Southern New England; and secretary with the RISEM District of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Mayflower Society; the Pilgrim Hall Museum; and the Cape and Island Orchid Society.
She was well-known for her advocacy work on behalf of the handicapped children and special-needs children on both the local and state level and was instrumental in establishing the regulations for Chapter 766.
Survivors include her widower; three sons, Kevin L. and his wife, Nina, of Lakeville, Kenneth P. of Fairhaven, and Gary T. and his wife, Amy, of Raynham; a brother, David Bassett of New Hampshire; a sister, Frances Bassett of Acushnet; four grandchildren, Tyler, Casey, Deanna and Michael; and several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be at 9 a.m. Saturday December 4, 2004 in the Long Plain United Methodist Church, 1215 Main St., Acushnet, followed by burial in River-Side Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting at the church are Friday from 3-7 p.m.