In Loving Memory

Basmat Parsad "Joyce"

March 30, 1952 – August 16, 2025

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• Please join the family on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Thibadeau Mortuary Chapel, P.A. (124 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877) for a memorial service honoring the life of our beloved.
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  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Informal viewing
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Opening prayer, hymn, tributes from family and friends
  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Reading of Desiderata, eulogy, and hymn
  • 2:00 PM onwards: Formal service including sermon, scripture readings, hymn, tribute from grandchildren, closing prayer, and final viewing
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• Following the funeral, a repast/reception with light refreshments will be held at 5:30 PM at the Parsad residence: 22524 Castle Oak Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871

There is a keepsake/memory book below. Please feel free to take a look and write memories, post pictures etc. 

Basmat was born on March 30, 1952, in Guyana to parents Jokan and Mabel. Tragically, she lost both parents at the tender age of five and was lovingly raised by her older sister, Julie. She was the second youngest of seven siblings: James, Umatie, Doreen, Julie, Datsy, and Patsy.

Basmat built a beautiful family of her own. She is survived by her devoted husband, Renial Shiwparsad; her children, Romain Parsad and Charmaine Parsad; her son-in-law, Steven Tucker; and her daughter-in-law, Amanda Parsad. She was a proud grandmother to Aiden Parsad, Maya Parsad, Austin Tucker, and Connor Tucker.

Her educational journey began at Leonara Primary School and continued at Zeeburg Secondary School. She earned a teaching degree from the Cyril Potter College of Education and later graduated with distinction in Social Psychology from the University of Guyana. Her academic excellence earned her a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Maryland, College Park, where she completed both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Social Psychology.

Basmat’s passion for education was evident from a young age. At just 16, she began her teaching career, which spanned decades and included roles at Leonara and Windsor Forest Primary Schools, the University of Guyana, and the University of Maryland. She also served as a Research Director at Westat, leading numerous projects for the U.S. Department of Education.

She was a woman of many virtues—loving, generous, helpful, caring, dedicated, persistent, genuine, creative, innovative, loyal, brave, strong, and kind. Professionally, she was known for her organization, directness, and integrity. Spiritually, she was deeply involved in her church as a Deacon, worship and prayer leader, and a member of various committees including those for tithes and offerings, feeding the homeless, and supporting international students.

Basmat found joy in traveling, spending time with family, cooking, watching movies, and participating in church activities. She was a devoted wife and a nurturing, supportive mother.

On August 16, 2025, Basmat passed away peacefully at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family. She fought valiantly to recover from a major stroke in September of the previous year, but her health challenges proved insurmountable. Despite it all, she remained steadfast in her faith and love for her family. Her strength, loyalty, and unwavering support continue to inspire all who knew her.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Basmat’s life on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, videos, and pictures will be cherished by the family and provide comfort during this difficult time.

There are parking lots and street parking in the area.

To order memorial trees or send flowers or gifts, or give donations towards the American Breast Cancer Foundation charity in memory of Basmat Parsad, please follow the links directly on this website.

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a.

124 E. Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009

(301) 495-4950