Karen Jean (Wheeler) Bassett-Wheeler

RUTLAND:

Karen Jean Bassett-Wheeler, age 71, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 20, 2025, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Karen was born in Rutland on January 19, 1954. She was the daughter of Burton and Barbara (Wheeler) Bassett. She grew up in Fair Haven where she received her early education and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School, class of 1972. Following graduation, she earned her L.P.N. and started her nursing career at Rutland hospital where she worked as a Nurse Practitioner, as well as administrative work at a local Rutland nursing home. She then layered went back to school and received her Batchelor’s Degree from Johnson State where she then became a Para-Educator at Rutland Stafford Technical Center and Woodstock Correctional Facilities for several years. Afterwards, Karen worked as an Optician Assistant for Lens Crafters at the Rutland Mall. Karen was a survivor of breast cancer and had been in remission for an ongoing 20 years. 

Karen enjoyed going to concerts with her late sister; Sharon and Sharon’s husband Ed Butterfield, enjoyed bird watching, especially the cardinals that would sit outside her window, as well and learning and sharing her knowledge about history. In her earlier years, she enjoyed making floral arrangements for weddings and other special days for her family and had a true gift, for, creativity. Her and children and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, as she never failed to tell someone about how proud she was of them. She was always there for a lending ear and was a true caretaker for those she had loved and care for. She never let anyone walk away without a smile or a laugh. 

She is survived by her daughter; Laura Jean McClure of Rutland, one sister; Kathy Leno and her husband Greg of Rutland, 2 brothers; Brian Bassett and his wife Bridgett of Rutland, and Bradley Bassett and his wife Pam of New Haven, a granddaughter; Meghan Russell and her partner Brad of Middlebury, 2 grandsons; Tyler Hayward and his fiancé Kassie of Wallingford and Michael O’Brien of Rutland, 1 great-grandson; Benjamin Hayward of Wallingford and 1 great-granddaughter; Madelynn Sprague of Middlebury, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her sister in May of 2024; Sharon Bassett Butterfield.

A private family gathering “In Celebration of Her Life” for family and close friends will take place, at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon VT.

Memorial gifts in her memory, may be made to; The Foley Cancer Clinic, c/o Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT 05701.