Lillian S. Bastiani

Lillian Sue (Cucci) Bastiani died peacefully at home on April 13, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on August 17, 1931, to Joseph and Augustine Cucci (Longo).

Lillian was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love, warmth, strength, spirited nature, and talent for drawing, art, and making beautiful things left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Lillian was raised in Torrance, California, where she attended Narbonne High School and El Camino Community College. Her city-girl upbringing was filled with Southern California sunshine and adventure. She loved the beach, took tap-dance lessons at the prominent Meglin Kiddies dance and performance school in Hollywood, played sports, and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer.

In 1954, Lillian moved with her mother and stepfather to Kerman, California, where the family purchased vineyard property and taught themselves to become farmers. They later opened “The Fisherman,” a fresh fish market in Kerman and Fresno. Though the transition was challenging for a city girl at first, Lillian embraced her new life. She enrolled at Fresno State College, became active in campus life, built lifelong friendships, and put down roots in her new community.

It was while at Fresno State that Lillian met Floyd Bastiani. They were introduced by a mutual friend one Saturday night at the popular “Big Fresno Barn Dance” in the 1950s. Floyd made quite an impression by showing up at her doorstep the very next day. Though initially hesitant, Lillian was won over by Floyd’s persistence — and her mother Augustine’s encouragement — and their beautiful love story began.

Lillian and Floyd were married in 1955 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kerman on a very hot August evening (made even warmer when someone accidentally turned on the heat). This marked the beginning of a life rooted in family and love. While pregnant with their first daughter Carol, Lillian earned her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from Fresno State College in 1956, becoming the first in her family to complete a college education. Four years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Susan.

The couple raised their daughters on their ranch in San Joaquin before moving to Fresno, where they designed and built their dream home. Lillian enjoyed a meaningful career as a teacher at Tranquility Elementary School for over 20 years, retiring in 1988. She was beloved by her students and colleagues for her creativity, kindness, and dedication, and she often shared joyful stories from her classroom.

Lillian’s greatest joy was her family. She proudly watched her daughters’ and granddaughter’s accomplishments and was overjoyed when she and Floyd became grandparents to Marisa. They shared countless creative mornings together — painting, coloring, sewing, making Halloween costumes, working on puzzles, and decorating for holidays. The family gathered for many Sunday dinners and celebrations filled with beautiful meals, laughter, and love.

Lillian’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, humor, and deep devotion to family. She will be remembered for her stories, strength, sound advice, and the love she gave so freely.

She is survived by her daughters Carol Bastiani and Susan McBride (and Susan’s husband Martin); her granddaughter Marisa (and her husband Tim); and her great-granddaughter Riley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Floyd Bastiani; her father Joseph Cucci; her mother Augustine Barcot (Longo); her stepfather Kuzma Barcot; and her brother Donald Cucci.

The family is infinitely grateful for the exceptional care Lillian received in her later years. Heartfelt thanks go to Anna, Chie, Marion, Margie, Jane, and Susan Sabangan of Camille Homes. Each of you brought light, companionship, and joy to her days through stories, laughter, outings, respect, and kindness that meant more than words can express.

A funeral Mass in honor of Lillian will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 5770 North Maroa Avenue, Fresno, California, 93704.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Lillian on her memorial page. This will serve as a touching tribute to a woman whose life was a testament to the power of love, the joy of learning, and the importance of community. Let's celebrate her extraordinary life and remember the woman who touched our lives in so many beautiful ways.