Celine Basmajian

Celine Basmajian, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on September 27, 2025 at the age of 95. Strong and independent, she remained in her home until her passing.

She is survived by her son Brian, grandson Zakary and great granddaughter Tenaya. Celine was preceded in death by her daughter Sharon (1953 - 1973) son Rick (1957 - 1991) husband Bob (1927 - 1999) and eldest daughter Susan (1951 - 2021). She was close to and frequently visited nephews Jimmy and Chris DiDieu. 

Celine was born on January 1st, 1930 in Hanford, California. She was the fourth of five daughters born to John V. and Rose G. Pacheco.

In 1945 she was chosen to be the lead singer in a dance band "The Swingsters". There she met a dapper young trombone player - and her future husband - Bob Basmajian. Amongst her many loves was the love she had of animals. Animals always loved her too. Over the years, she had many cats and dogs, with faithful weimaraner Bubba amongst her favorites.

Celine was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading, particularly the works of Dean Koontz. Her love of the creative arts extended into her passion for painting, for which she won numerous awards, including a best in show. Many of her paintings hang today in the homes of her family and cherished friends. The mountains, and Yosemite National Park in particular, was an inspiration and a favorite vacation destination.

A sports fanatic, she followed the Dodgers, Raiders, and Lakers. Games would be accompanied with her home-made Portuguese sweet rolls, sopas, her signature English toffee, or the numerous other foods she loved to cook or bake.

Dedicated strongly to her faith, Celine taught Catechism for many years and was also a member of the Altar Society at Our Lady Of Fatima Church in Laton.  She held her travels to Rome and France with her church as some of her most cherished memories. Seeing the Pope at the Vatican was one of the highlights of her life.

Celine will be remembered at a funeral mass October 13th, 10 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford. Following mass, the burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Valley Animal Haven, in Lemoore, CA to honor Celine’s memory and her love of animals.

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