Albertina Baser

Albertina "Tinder" (Moeller) Baser passed peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, May 18, 2025-just five days shy of her 84th birthday. Surrounded by her loving family, she went to the Lord in peace and grace. Tinder is both deeply missed and proudly celebrated by those she leaves behind. She met every challenge with strength and poise, never letting illness dim her spirit.

Born on May 23, 1941, in Midland, Michigan, Tinder grew up in her hometown before attending the University of Idaho, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

That same year, she married Van Baser, and together they built a life in Essex, Connecticut, where they raised two children, Robert and Natalie. Tinder devoted nearly 30 years to education, earning a reputation as a no-nonsense teacher who cared deeply about her students. She also served as a cheerleading coach and was an advisor to her daughter's high school class. Her involvement extended well beyond the classroom-she was a dedicated community member, active in her church (where she also taught Sunday school), the Essex Yacht Club, and the local soup kitchen.

A lifelong learner, Tinder earned a master's degree in genetics from Wesleyan University. She also cherished summers in Maine at the family's lakeside cabin on Long Pond, bordering Acadia National Park. There, she thrived in the outdoors-hiking, sailing, windsurfing, biking, and spending time with family and friends.

Tinder was a proud and loving grandmother to her three grandsons-Tyler, Geoffrey, and Besufekad-who brought her endless joy. She created lasting memories through sleepovers, special birthday dinners, Florida adventures, and simple moments like evening walks and card games.

After retiring from teaching in 1996, Tinder truly began to live her best life. She indulged in her passions for cooking (her meals were legendary), gardening, and home renovation. Remarkably handy, she remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, installed crown molding, and later helped her daughter and son-in-law maintain their rental properties. Guided by her father's motto- "There's no such word as 'can't'"-she tackled every task with confidence and skill.

An artist at heart, Tinder learned bird carving and crafted many beautiful pieces, including a life-sized swan. Her love for animals, especially Boxers, led her to volunteer with Boxer Rescue, often driving dogs across New England to their new homes. Later in life, she surprised herself by becoming a devoted cat lover, doting on her brown tabby for 14 years.

Tinder brought her vibrancy to every community she joined-from Middletown, CT, where she remained active in her church and local soup kitchen, to Estero, FL, where she volunteered at a church thrift store and served on the condo association board. In her later years, she found joy and friendship at the Cold Springs independent living community in Rocky Hill, CT. Whether it was bringing donuts and coffee after church or making scooter runs for red wine, Tinder's spirited personality lit up every room.

Above all, Tinder was an extraordinary mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. Her impact on those around her was profound and lasting. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Robert & Cindy Baser of Bethlehem, PA, and Natalie & Tim Opstrup of Madison, CT; her grandchildren, Tyler Opstrup (New Haven, CT), Besufekad Opstrup (Madison, CT), and Geoffrey Baser (Prospect, PA).

A private Celebration of Life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Boxer Rescue, PO Box 374, Coventry, CT 06238 or online at secondchanceboxer.com.