Denise F. Bass

Denise F. Bass, 79 of Manchester, beloved wife of Stuart "Sam" Bass passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Denise was born on August 24, 1937 in Westerly, RI to the late John B. and Helen (Murphy) Farley. Her childhood years were spent in Lebanon, CT surrounded by her older brother and a tribe of lively cousins she adored. Denise was a graduate of Trinity College in Burlington, VT where she had a great time with her friends in spite of the Spanish classes she hated. Denise returned to CT after the death of her father and began working for the Welfare Department in New Haven. Her career brought her eventually to Hartford where she spent many years as a Family Relations Supervisor in the Judicial Department for the State of CT. Along the way she met Stuart "Sam" Bass on a blind date. He drove a little Sunbeam convertible which let in the snow during winter and had clear views of the road thanks to the giant hole in the floor. She married him anyway and they were lucky enough to enjoy their 49th anniversary this past August. Denise was a faithful parishioner at St. Bridget Church in Manchester since 1975. Her faith was only matched by her loyalty. She was a rabid protector of every member of her family, an advocate for those she cared about, a confidant and occasional provider of bail money (you know who you are!). Many in CT will understand the depths of her loyalty when we say that she was a season ticket holder of the Hartford Whalers for years and years. Denise was also a strong supporter of MACC, MARC, Inc., Dunkin Donuts, and Mohegan Sun Casino. Her hobbies included traveling, romance novels, praying the rosary, spending time with her family and (cheating) winning at cards. She was a very picky eater and hated having her picture taken. In addition to her husband, Sam Bass, Denise is survived by her only child Helena Bass-Robin, her son-in-law Dixon Robin and grandchildren Dixon, Grace and Mallory Robin. She is also survived by her beloved brother John B. Farley (whom she worshipped) and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) Farley. She leaves behind several cherished nieces and nephews: Anne and Bruce Sargent, Ellen Melko, John Farley and Claudia Triggs, Mary and James Todesca, and Margaret and William Ring. Several members from the tribe of adored, lively cousins as well as a few very close friends will also miss her. Calling Hours will be held Monday, October 3 from 3 - 5 pm at Watkins Funeral Home 142 East Center St. in Manchester. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 4 at 10 am at St. Bridget Church 80 Main Street in Manchester. Everyone is asked to go directly to church. A private burial will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Bridget School at 74 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com

Visitation DetailsMonday, October 3rd, 2016 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home
Service DetailsTuesday, October 4th, 2016 10:00am, St. Bridget Church