Published on August 26, 2001 in the Monterey County Herald

Elizabeth (Betty) Evelyn Basseri 75, a resident of the Monterey Peninsula, died from cancer Saturday at the Hospice House in Monterey.

Betty Basseri 1947

She was born Dec.19, 1925, in Springfield Mo., and came to California in 1942 to attend Pasadena Junior College.
Mrs. Basseri transferred to UC-Berkeley and received a bachelor of arts degree in Anthropology in 1947. It was at UC-Berkeley that she met her husband, Jamshid.

Married in 1947, the couple moved soon after to Ord Village in Seaside, then to Pacific Grove after buying their first home. In 1958, they built the family home in Monterey.

Later, Mrs. Basseri divided her time between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. She had lived full time in Monterey since 1978.

Betty Basseri 1947
Wedding Bouquet Toss

Mrs Basseri worked in retail, and in the late 1950’s and early 60’s she was co-owner with Dorothy Kelly of the Merry-Go-Round Shop, a popular resale shop on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

A lifelong student of the world cultures and philosophies, she enjoyed traveling-especially to archaeological sites throughout the world. She embraced the philosophy of The Church of Religious Science.

She is survived by a son, Don Basseri of Pacific Grove, Two daughters, Peri Davis of Monterey and Mimi Basseri of Los Angeles, one grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life and her husband who died shortly after hers was held in Monterey.

The family  suggest that the memorial contributions be sent to Native American Charities.

Due to previous success, Mimi is now offering the fundraiser again January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012!

Mimi’s Mom Mother’s Day Fundraiser
March 20, 2011 through June 19, 2011

Hello, I am Mimi designer and founder of Mimi A La Mode, design house of bed and bath accessories based here in Hollywood California.

My mom died of Uterine cancer 10 years ago. Her death still makes me sad after all these years.

I thought I would like to honor her this Mother’s day this year by doing a cancer research fundraiser with our shower caps as a gift for donating money to this cause.

Her type of cancer is what they call “below the belt” or “below the waist” cancer that effect men and women. Some of these cancers include prostrate and testicular cancer in men and cervical and ovarian cancer in women. They are not very well known and not always treated in time because they are in parts of the body that some people are hesitant to talk about to their doctors. It is considered taboo to some people.

My mom said that she did in fact put off a procedure that may have kept her cancer at bay and she told me she regretted that choice of not going to her appointment. What a shame that my Moms cancer was not a popular cancer and I could have done more to help her to get her appointment!

This year I have partnered with the City of Hope cancer research hospital here in Southern California to raise funds to donate to them to help in their research for cancer treatments and cures.

I then will do my part to raise awareness of these not so well known cancers and prevention to the best of my ability. It is my understanding that if found early, many are very treatable and do not go on to cause all the troubles that my mother went through before she died.

I am offering on my website www.mimialamode.com some of our pretty bouffant shower caps for this fundraiser in conjunction with the City of Hope.

I am especially happy to feature the purple pansy style, as it is the designated color for cancer of this type. We will send the shower cap out to you right away pre wrapped in a beautiful gift box with tissue, a pretty ribbon bow and gift card. The gift sets will include a choice of a variety of complimentary beauty products to make the gift set even more appealing.

I am sending the City of Hope 25% of the retail sale price of each shower cap gift set, not including USPS shipping charges to get it to you. Our goal is to raise $12,500.00 in the next three months,starting now the first day of Spring and leading up to Mothers day through May 2011.

I encourage you to make a purchase so that we can quickly reach our goal donation to the City of Hope.

My philosophy in my designs has always been to make people happy with the things I do…and I hope doing this will make my mother happy wherever she may be.

I thank you in advance for assisting me in helping others daughters help their mothers stay around for more birthdays and holidays and enjoying a lovely life.

Have a great day!

Mimi