In Memoriam

(From Carol Lynn)
Margaret Ann Basta
Born October 9, 1951
Died September 4, 2022

Born in Detroit, daughter of Stanley J. and Laura J. Basta. Identical twin sister of Laura Patrice Sandler (Ronald). Beloved aunt of Aron and David. Graduate of Wayne State University, where she was a mainstay of the local SF club, the Wayne Third Foundation. Margaret also did graduate work in Music Therapy at Michigan State University. She was the organist at St. Luke’s Church for many years. So many who loved Star Trek from its very earliest days called her their friend

Margaret was a driving force in the development of Star Trek fandom as a founder of the Star Trek Association for Revival (S.T.A.R), and an editor and publisher of “Babel,” one of the early Star Trek fanzines. For many years she could be found at the “Orphan ‘Zine” tables at MediaWest*Con passing on her love of fanfiction. She was a leader in the 1970s campaign to return Star Trek to television. Star Trek fans owe Margaret a huge debt of thanks for what we now enjoy.

In addition to her abiding passion for Star Trek, she was an avid admirer of antiques including silver, jewelry and ceramics. She turned her passion into a career while working with DuMouchelle’s Art Gallery for almost twenty years. She took a break from her career to care for her parents in their last years. Later, she partnered with her good friend Jan Feldmann and opened Hidden Gems Estates Sales.

She was a voracious reader, part-time author, and traveler. Her network of friends stretched around the world and all who knew her mourn her passing.

More sad news on Margaret — she was completely destitute and in debt when she died. Laura is currently hospitalized and her family is also unable to fully fund the burial. There is not enough money to even cremate Margaret. If she is not to be merely turned over to the state for a pauper’s burial, some money has to be raised. If you can see it in your heart to help, please donate to the Go Fund Me for Margaret’s burial. Any and every amount is welcome. Thank you. https://gofund.me/e898521a

In Memoriam

We are sorry to report MW*C staff member Jim Gasahl died unexpectedly last night.

(From Scott Rosema)
I can post more details now. Suzy’s life long friend Brenda lost her husband Jim last night. They had settled down after supper to watch a movie and Jim suddenly erupted into a seizure that quickly became a heart attack. Brenda quickly called 911 and then called Suzy. We both rushed over to their house to find the paramedics already working on Jim. Within about 20 minutes, they sadly came outside to where we waited and said he was gone.

We just stood there. Everyone knew there was nothing to do. No tears, no crying. We just faced it. Brenda, Suzy and I all had the wind taken from us. Today, Saturday, the tears have come and we are busy with contacting everyone about this which we started last night.

The worst will come later. Then life will pick up and we’ll learn to deal with all of the absence we’ll feel. We’ll look after Brenda as she grieves and look forward to feeling the joy of Jim’s life down the road.
[Without going into details, just a few hours ago Suzy and I both lost a friend to a sudden death. We spent most of the evening comforting his wife, another dear friend. We’ll be dealing with this for quite a while……]

In Memoriam

We are sad to hear that long-time MW*C attendee and staffer Sheryl Adsit passed away on January 8, 2022. She ran the Fannish Video room and Fannish Video competition for many years.

(From Lori) Sheryl was a beloved friend and part of the MediaWest*Con fannish community and staff for so many years and it was always great seeing her in person at least once a year, before Covid and advancing ages and deteriorating health and finances complicated matters. I still remember her appearance as a contestant on Jeopardy, too; a dream many of us have held!

Condolences to family and fellow friends.

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ca/downey/sheryl-annette-adsit-13978600

In Memoriam

We were sorry to hear that long-time MW*C attendee James Castleberry has died. Many may remember him from the FOE blaster battles.

In Memoriam

Posted on Facebook 10/24/21 by Beth Singer:

My mom, Bev Singer, died peacefully, in her sleep tonight.   My brother, Allen J. Singer and I were with her, visiting.   We had just told her what a great mom she was, and noticed she had stopped breathing.   She died, surrounded by her loved ones, the way she wanted.

In Memoriam

Annie Walton, Texas long-time MW*C attendee known for her creativity and warmth, passed in her sleep after succumbing to myriad health issues. She is missed.

In Memoriam

We are sorry to report that long-time MediaWest*Con attendee and FoE member Ginna Wilcoxen has passed away in her sleep. She participated in the Buffy shadowcasts and ran the game room at MW*C 37.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-costs-for-ginna-wilcoxen?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2zJ-GgV1SkJ1utcVbZ36NeOd7pHcVbYrBDsmsChVf2VELuaB_Naiyk1Rs

In Memoriam

From Lorraine Garcia-Mc Glynn:

Kelly Tower has asked me to let you know that longtime MW*C dealer & attendee Marcia Coates passed away (7/23/2021) following a long illness. Funeral services will be private.

Marcia was a reader of many fandoms, but her first and favourite was Star Trek. She especially enjoyed the people she met at MW*C, while selling ‘zines at her table & missed going as her health worsened. Thanks to everyone who brightened her fannish pursuits!

Thank you!
— LGM

In Memoriam

From Winnie Power: I just found out that a friend from my MediaWest*Con Days passed away. Lynn (LaraMee) Harvey was one of the first people from the M7 fandom to welcome me to the group. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person and even shared a room with her. She will be missed.

We are also sorry to report that GraceGeraldine Carafelly has died.

In Memoriam

We are sorry to report long-time MediaWestCon attendee John Medkeff has died from COVID-19.

John was an member of the FOE, the Star Wars role-playing group, and veteran of many “blaster battles” at MW*C.