Bassin, Martha Maria (Maggie)

December 8, 1937 – April 3, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maggie Bassin (nee DeGroot)
on April 3, 2025. Maggie passed away peacefully with her three grown children by her
side, Erica Tucker-Bassin (Paul Tucker), Peter Bassin (Maris Lush) and Willy Bassin
(Angela Wilson-Bassin). Erica, Peter and Willy brought her joy in different ways, they
travelled the world, and while she was very supportive of their adventures, she always
found it hard to say goodbye. She was happiest when family was around and was an
Oma to Annemieke and Syree (Erica), Liam and Heidi (Willy) and Noelle and Annika
(Peter). “Oma hugs” will be dearly missed and so will her encouragement, no matter
how hard the fall. She always comforted and made things better with a “Come sit by
Oma”.
Maggie, known as “Map,” in Holland, leaves behind a large loving Dutch Family.  Map
was born on December 8, 1937, in Zoeterwoude, NL, the 4 th  daughter of Wilhelmus
Corneli de Groot and Catharina Maria Pieterse. Growing up with 3 sisters; Corenelia
(Cor), Gerarda (Margret), Petronella (Nell) and 4 brothers; Wilhelmus (Wim), Simon,
Petrus (Peter) and Johannes (Hans) made Map adventurous, easy going and strong.  In

Zouterwoude Map was a girl guide and scout leader teaching girls to sail and camp
along de Rijn and de Kaag Rivers. She loved getting ready and going to dances with
her sisters and truly enjoyed working and playing out on the farm with her brothers. She
immigrated to Canada in 1959 by the “Groote Beer” ship with the intention of helping
her sister Margret van Gastel and her family for only a year in Kitchener, ON.  While in
English class, she met the love of her life, Peider Andri (Peter) Bassin and her new life
of adventure in Canada began. They were married for 61 years until his passing in April
2022.
Together Peter and Maggie built their house and later their boat. They agreed that
Maggie would teach him sailing and Peter would teach her how to ski. After many years
of practice, they won their first Canadian Championship, and in 1968 they won the North
American Championships. With the birth of their children in 1969, 1970 and 1971, they
hung up their sails for skis. Maggie also picked up tennis, enjoyed playing doubles and
never missed watching a Grand Slam. In her sixties, together with a few friends, she
hiked the Bruce Trail walking 10-20km every Monday for 2 years. Her love for activity
didn’t stop until a month ago. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday you could catch
Maggie in aquafit class with her group of regulars, who have over the years become her
dear friends.
She was a pillar of strength and kindness, always ready to volunteer and lend a hand.
Over the years Maggie worked tirelessly for the Canadian Cancer Society, Chicopee Ski
Racing Program, Grand Hill Village Association and for the local track clubs timing
races.
Thank you to the incredible team of 7 West, “the best”, Neuroscience Center, Hamilton
General Hospital who truly made Maggie feel one of the team with their care, kindness
and fight to recover.
In expression of sympathy please consider donating to the Hamilton General Hospital,
which is one of five Neuroscience Centres in the province or your local trauma or stroke
centre.
Mass will be celebrated on April 12 at 12pm at St. Clements Church, Cambridge
Ontario.
“Lekker ding” please help us celebrate Maggie’s kindness, friendship and humour by
sharing her favourite Dutch treats and afternoon coffee. Gezellig eh!