Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Shirley Bastien Obituary
She married Wilbur Bastien on June 28, 1952, and after the birth of their two children, Melissa and Peter, they moved to Skowhegan in 1956. She had a long and rewarding nursing career, working at several area hospitals in a variety of clinical nursing and nursing/health education positions, as well as serving as a state and New England representative to the New England and American Hospital Association. After retirement, she continued providing care and comfort, serving as a volunteer nurse at area assisted living and boarding homes for elders.
Shirley was also very involved with and deeply committed to many projects and programs within her extended community. She served on the Board of Directors at Good Will-Hinkley for many years and enjoyed the fostering of gardening and growing projects with the students. She was a master gardener and a part of the small group of motivated gardeners that revitalized the Bloomfield Garden Club. She helped establish the Hospice Volunteers of Skowhegan and designed and planted the memorial garden in Coburn Park. She was active in her church, All Saints Episcopal Church, and with her ecumenical group of faith sharing friends who work daily to bring cooperative understanding and effort to their churches and the people they serve.
She was predeceased by her husband, Wilbur.
She is survived by her brother, Douglas Kydd; her daughter, Melissa Bastien, and partner Jean Bourg; her son, Peter Bastien, and fiancŽe Jana Burgoyne; grandchildren Julia Johnstone and Charlotte Johnstone; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Moody Chapel in Hinkley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Will-Hinckley; All Saints Episcopal Church; or an area charity or nonprofit of your choice.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Redington-Fairview General Hospital for the early phases of her care. Shirley's personal caregiver, Ann, Danylle and the Health Reach Hospice professionals, her friends, her church family and the amazing faith sharing circle have surrounded her in love and care, making the end of her journey peaceful and calm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Bastien
February 25, 2012
Dear Melissa and Peter, I have just now found out about your mom, I am so very sorry. What a wonderful lady she was, she was always very kind to me. I have great memories of working for your dad at The Birches and babysitting the two of you.
Barbara Spencer Nelson
Dennis & Jan Downing
February 25, 2012
Peter & Melissa, We are so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. We hope that your wonderful memories will bring you comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janelle Burgoyne
February 24, 2012
Peter, Melissa, Jana, Julia, Charlotte,
My heart goes out to you at this time; Shirley was such a quiet but such a powerfully kind presence and made a difference to anyone who met her. She made a great impression on me when, at a time in my life when I felt like I had no place to go, I showed up at her house for Thanksgiving. She made me feel welcome and was so supportive. I'll never forget her for her kindness and encouragement. It was an honor to know such a lovely and loving lady.
Janelle
Ed & Penny DeRaps
February 23, 2012
Sincere condolences to you all! Shirley was an inspiration to any and all that were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be sadly missed by all of us, particularly nurses, nurse-educators, her patients and co-workers.
Maxine Russakoff
February 23, 2012
Shirley was devoted and dedicated to
her family, church and to the greater good of mankind. Her efforts to better
life in Skowhegan and surrounding areas
were truly admirable. May each of us
make an effort to carry on her acts
of caring and kindness as a tribute to this fine lady and friend.
Pam Myrick
February 23, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. I never had the privilege to meet her. I feel lucky, however, to consider her daughter among my friends. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, Jean and your family.
Rebecca Ross
February 22, 2012
Shirley was such a wonderful, lovely lady. she had so much love and life in her! she has left a legacy and will be remembered always.
Kathy & Linda Hall/Van Aman
February 22, 2012
Mothers are so special, and yours was very accomplished and much loved. She will live on in your memories of her; may they bring you comfort and peace. Our condolences.
Mary O'Donnell
February 22, 2012
There was no more gracious a lady than Shirley Bastien. She shared her gardens with her community and helped all of us enjoy every minute of her company and gardening. I am so glad to have known her.
Julie & Aimee Ray & LaLanne
February 22, 2012
Celebrate her life. Mourn her physical absence. Live her love.
February 22, 2012
Such a wonderful and kind lady,
and I'll never forget how good she was to Rita.
Patricia Boyle
Susan Gorsuch-Metivier
February 22, 2012
Shirley was such a light for Hospice of Somerset County, a volunteer in every sense of the world. She was willing to do the hard work and with others helped to raise funds for the agency. Her legacy is in her giving nature and genuine caring. Thank you to Shirley's family for sharing her with us.
Patricia McKee
February 21, 2012
Dear Melissa and Peter, I offer my condolences to you and your family. I remember your mother fondly and dearly as a mentor and friend. I met Shirley in February 1975 after being hired as an RN at Thayer Hospital. Shirley gently, kindly and astutely guided and educated me, opened doors of understanding for successful service in many areas even as she lived. She will always be a cherished memory. Peace be with you.
February 19, 2012
Jean, Janna, Julia, and Charlotte, My apologies for not mentioning you the other day in my message. I most certainly include you in my heartfelt sympathy. Shirley was so very, very special to us all! With my love and prayers, Katy Philbrick
Don Marden
February 18, 2012
For those of us whose relationship with Shirley was in the Good Will-Hinckley community,she was the very essence of a role model for young women. A very special lady who played such a large role in the success of the institution. Godspeed, Shirley, you will be remembered always!
Ann Lane
February 18, 2012
Melissa,Jean, Peter & Jana, I will never forget this time in my life. The time i have spent with your mother has taught me so much. I love her dearly. Thank you for giving me this blessing.
Anne Hinnendael
February 18, 2012
Dear Melissa, Jean, and Peter,
Know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Many hugs,
Anne
Linda Cormier
February 18, 2012
I will always cherish our friendship and you will be greatly missed. May God grant your family peace and love.
nancy* Blaisdell Baxter
February 18, 2012
Dear Melissa, Pete & family, i am sad to read & hear of your mom's passing. Shirley was gem in our midst & a joy to all that knew her. She lived a colorful life, had an endearing personality and will live in our hearts forever. HUGS to you all.
Walter Watts
February 17, 2012
Dear Melissa, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Take care, I think of you often.
PAUL CHAMBERS
February 17, 2012
SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF SHIRLEY'S PASSING . SHE WAS ONE OF THE NICE'S LADIES I EVER HAVE KNOWN. ENJOYED WORKING ON DIFFERENT COMMITTEES AT GOODWILL HINCKLEY OVER THE LAST TWENTY YEARS.WE HAVE LOST A VERY GOOD FRIEND.
PAUL AND BARBARA CHAMBERS
February 17, 2012
Dear Melissa and Peter, Shirley was not only my dear friend for many years past, but also my inspiration, though I could never live up to the example of "living her faith" that she set for us all. With my love and heartfelt sympathy, Katy Philbrick
February 17, 2012
Melissa & Pete;
Memories of South Side and the Birches are some of my best. She was a wonderful and wise lady. I hope you can find peace with knowing what good parents they were to you both.
Sue (Young) Molley
Ann Ryan,RN
February 17, 2012
I am deeply saddened about Shirley's passing,though I know she was ready -mentally,physically and spiritually. I feel very blessed to have had Shirley in my life . She was not only my boss, but my mentor. She was a true inspiration to so many of us in the nursing profession. She always encouraged us to do our very best. She helped us to look at any situation in a positive manner. Peter, Melissa and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that the love she gave and the love you all were surrounded by in these last months will carry you thru. I agree - you do have a special angel watching over you
February 17, 2012
Melissa... and Peter, The word of your mother's passing has saddened my heart. `Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Doni-Mae (Brough) Rauch, Northfied MN
Jim Sylvester
February 17, 2012
Pete and Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. She was a great lady. Always courteous to Bob and I as we did maintenance around her home. We will miss her greatly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Jim Sylvester (Skowhegan,ME)
Louise Savoy
February 17, 2012
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Shirley's friendly smile will surely be missed.May you find peace in your hearts knowing you have a special angel looking over you.
Norman Dickey
February 17, 2012
To Peter and Melissa Bastien, Norman and I send our sincere sympathy in your loss of shirley.I worked with shirley for many years when she was school nurse,and we worked together at Hospice and organized the Hospice Tree of Lights for the first fundraiser.she was dedicated to her church and community and will be missed by many.We are sorry we cannot be there in person but we will be thinking of you and your families.take care and treasure all your special memories of shirley as we will. Norman and Pat Dickey
Jo Godin
February 17, 2012
Melissa,Peter and family,
My deepest sympathy extended to you all. Your mother is a sweet and kind memory from my childhood and I will always remember her. Her legacy is a life well-lived with many accomplishments and an example for us all.
Love,
JoJo
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Bastien's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Bastien
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Bastien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
