Helen Levitt Bassman, 92, of Petersburg passed away on December 2, 2010. She was the daughter of the late Louis and Esther Alperin Levitt, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Herman Bassman. Mrs. Bassman was born in Petersburg, Virginia and lived there all of her life. She was very active in the community and as a member or Congregation Brith Achim. Mrs. Bassman and her husband owned and operated The Globe Department Store for many years until they retired and closed the exclusive menâ??s and womenâ??s clothing store in 1981. Her father Louis, founded the business in 1911 She is survived by two sons, Mitch Bassman and his wife Margie, of Springfield VA, Larry Bassman and his wife Lyn, of Fresno, CA., three grandchildren, Damien Bassman and his wife Chelsea, Nili Bassman, Jonah Bassman, two step-grandchildren, Lauren Chavin and her husband Lance, Susan Kasimer, and other family and friends. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm Sunday, December 5, 2010 in Brith Achim Cemetery followed by a meal of consolation at Brith Achim Synagogue.