October 23, 2011       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Muriel McClement Bass, 85, died at her home on Saturday, Oct. 22, under the care of her family at the age of 85. 

Born Jan. 13, 1926, a daughter to Henry G. and Florence Brenon McClement, she graduated in 1944 from Watertown High School and attended Syracuse University for a semester before returning home to help care for her dying father. 

She was a lifeguard at the Watertown city pools where her black bathing suit was remembered by many. Muriel taught swimming for the American Red Cross throughout Jefferson County from 1946 to 1948. 

She married Edward Bass on Sept. 6, 1948, at Trinity Episcopal Church.  

Muriel ran McClement’s Grocery from 1963 when her mother died until she retired in 1986.  

She was often greeted in local restaurants by former customers, delivery men and grown up children that remember her as the “candy lady.”

Muriel was a lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She was an active member of  the P.T.A. when her children were young. Her '44 classmates remember her as a cheerleader and an active participant in planning and attending reunions.  

Muriel bowled in local bowling leagues and was a member of the 600 Club.

Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Edward B. Bass; a daughter and son-in-law, Marceline Bass-Terpstra and Donald Terpstra, Watertown; another daughter and son-in-law, Renée and Calvin Bittner, Georgia, Vermont; her grandchildren, Harry and Dominique Bass-Terpstra, both of Watertown, Anja and Jason Vaughn, Suffolk, Va, Heather and Bill Brothers, Essex Junction, Vt., and Andrew and Julie Bittner, Swanton, Vt.; six great grandchildren, Jalyn, Kari, Claire, Alyssa, Isaac and Cassie.  

Muriel was predeceased by her son Harry in 1972, and her brother John in 1986.  

She and her husband Ed wintered in Greenacres City and Port Saint Lucie, Florida.  

Muriel was cared for by her family and her friend and neighbor Nora Taylor.  

Contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Trinity Episcopal Church.  A reception will immediately follow the memorial service at the adjoining Macsherry Hall.  

Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at reedbenoit.com. 







Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.