Mary Basgall

Mary Ellen Basgall, 74, died on December 27 in Nashville, TN while trying to cross a busy street.  A resident of Nashville since 2001, she was born January 3, 1947, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Buanno and Daniel Tetlow, her sister Donna Darrow, husband Del Basgall, and son Carl Scott Basgall.

After graduating from Central Catholic High School, she became a Respiratory Therapist in Fort Wayne. Later she received her realtor's license in Arizona and Colorado and continued her education at Colorado State University.   In 1971, she married Delbert Basgall and settled in Fort Collins, CO, after living briefly in Greensboro, NC, and Phoenix, AZ.  In 1990, they moved to San Diego, CA, and lived there until Del's death in 2000.  After his death, she began her next and final adventure, moving to Nashville to be closer to family.

She was co-owner of Basgall's Music in Fort Collins, CO (1980-90), worked as a Realtor (AZ & CO), worked as an administrative assistant at CSU, Kelly Services in San Diego, and for the State of Tennessee. Her children were her greatest accomplishment.

She was an award-winning seamstress, loved telling stories and repeating them often, loved gardening, kayaking and her dogs. She loved all creatures and nature and passed that love to her children.   She also loved helping others, usually more than herself.   She ran the family band who traveled and performed all over the United States.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law (Florida) daughter and son-in-law (Tennessee), a sister (Ohio) grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and cousins.

Mary Ellen was a loving woman and dedicated Mother.  She was adventurous, creative, vibrant, strong-willed, and unafraid – a true free spirit. She was also an incredible cook, had a great sense of humor, and was a formidable competitor in Yahtzee. She will be missed very much. A memorial will be held at a later date.   If you wish to honor Mary Ellen, please make a donation to the Nashville Humane Association in her name.

Nashville Funeral and Cremation are honored to be entrusted with handling Ms. Basgall's arrangements. Please visit her tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.