Marie Melanie Bastarache

Marie Melanie Bastarache died after a long illness on December 2 in Hartford at the age of 70. Marie is survived by her brother Edward Bastarache of Emmett, Idaho; nephews Joseph Bastarache of Tama, IA and Edward Bastarache of Manchester, CT; and nieces Lucy Lavallee of Switzerland and Leah Gesualdi of Ellington, CT. She was preceded in death by her parents Felix Bastarache and Melanie (Comeau) Bastarache of East Hartford and a brother Joseph Bastarache of Coventry.

Marie was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and immigrated to Connecticut in 1948 with her family. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in West Hartford in 1964 and Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing as an RN in 1967. She later earned a BSN degree at American International College in Springfield, MA.

Marie worked as a Registered Nurse in several departments at Hartford Hospital for many years. Looking for a new challenge, she spent 5 years in Venezuela working with the Maryknoll Catholic missions. After her return home, she worked as a visiting hospice nurse in the Hartford area. During her mother’s final years, Marie devoted herself to her mother’s care which allowed her mother to remain at home. Marie’s life of service touched not only disadvantaged youth and the sick, but also her family and many friends. She was a champion of peace and an advocate for the poor.

A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield, CT on Friday, December 9 at 10:00 AM, with a reception to follow in the church hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marie's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heifer International at www.Heifer.org or ImmaCare Inc. of Hartford at www.immacare.org. In accordance with Marie’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. The Benjamin J.Callahan Funeral Home is assisting the family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.callahanfuneral.com