Martha Basu

Martha Basu, 85, of Los Angeles, California passed away peacefully at 1:55 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2016 in Los Angeles. She was born in Eldorado, Illinois on September 18, 1930, the daughter of Clyde W. and Pauline (Irvin) Davis.

In 1948, she graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. On January 21, 1951, Martha married Gopal Basu, who preceded her in death on November 9, 1988. They pursued a wonderful life together, living in India for several years before returning to the U.S. to live in Californiaa�"San Francisco and Culver Citya�"and then Philadelphia and Warminster, Pennsylvania.

After Gopal died, Martha stayed in the Philadelphia area until her first grandchildren were born, and then relocated to Los Angeles. She was delighted to move into a house with an enormous fruiting avocado tree in the back yard. She was active in her neighborhood association, enjoyed playing cards and crafting with groups, and often served as an election poll worker and volunteer at her local senior center. She was an avid reader, loved to cook and try new recipes, enjoyed attending movies, and traveled when possible. Martha kept in touch with friends and relatives far and wide, and rarely missed an opportunity to send a card or gift for each special occasion. Although her body aged her mind was clear, and she remained alert, interested, and involved until the end.

She is survived by two sons, Ram Basu and wife Jen Hawley of Pasadena, California and Netai Basu and wife Judy Ho of Los Angeles, California; a sister, Diana Doxey of Valparaiso, Indiana; and five grandchildren, Katherine, Ann, Isaiah, Henry, and Elizabeth Basu.

A visitation will be held at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, Illinois from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, with interment to follow at Hickory Hill Cemetery near Broughton.

Memories may be shared online at http://marthabasu.wordpress.com.