Constance "Connie" Bassil (1922-2009) lived in Ann Arbor from 1963 to 1997. She ran Lucky Jim's fish and chips with Hilary Amis, and then the downtown Art Deco Design Studio.
Obituary
Died at home, in Novato, CA, December 31, 2009 with her son Jonathan Bassil at her side. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1922, Constance was raised in England, where she attended the Norwich Norfolk School of Art and Design. Marrying and moving to the United States in 1954, Constance kept her flair for all things British throughout her life. She raised her family in Saginaw, then moved to Ann Arbor, MI, in 1963 to work at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, University of Michigan. In 1969, Constance opened a British-flavoured Fish 'n' Chips shop, running the shop until 1974, with her good friend, Hilly Amis-- wife of the late Sir Kinsley Amis and mother of author Martin Amis. Constance moved from fish to furnishings when she opened Art Deco Design in downtown Ann Arbor. In the late 1970s, Constance spent several years in Spain, before returning to Michigan. In 1997 the West beckoned, and Constance moved -lock, stock and Japanese prints--settling in Novato, CA, near her son Jonathan and new grandson, Kipling. She remained a collector throughout her life, ferreting out the places for all things deco in California. Constance leaves three children: Richard of Gainesville, FL; Veronica in Mexico; and Jonathan; four grandchildren, Cameron Bassil and Ken Ogletree of Gainesville, Desi Bassil, New York, and Kipling, and five great-grandchildren. Constance is survived by her brother, John (Jean) Lockwood and sister Betty Lampert, both in England; she leaves several nieces and nephews. Constance will be greatly missed by her dear friends, Hilary Amis in Spain and Michael and Ward of Chicago, Susan Kalish in San Francisco; Suzanne Ross, Grosse Pointe, MI. Constance was predeceased by her dear friend, translator Paul Roche, and fellow antique dealer, Peter Ross, San Francisco. In a final act of grace, Constance willed her body to the University of California, San Francisco. Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
