Cecilia Bastarache

Cecilia (Allain) Bastarache, 95, of Leominster, formerly of Gardner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance- Clinton Hospital, Leominster.

Born in Gardner on October 19, 1930, Cecilia was the daughter of the late Cyrius and Viola (Bourgeois) Allain. Cecilia graduated from Presentation of Mary Academy Private Catholic School. She worked for many years in clerical roles at Gardner State Hospital and later in the Gardner Public Schools cafeteria. She also worked for Sabettini Printing and eventually retired from her clerical position at Gardner City Hall.

Cecilia was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Gardner joyfully participated in their Ladies of Ste. Anne Society, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and lent her help to the annual Bazaar. Cecilia was also an active member as well as VP of the Gardner Golden Ages Club. She delighted playing cards and BINGO, polka dancing, working on puzzles, and reading. Traveling brought her great happiness, particularly the Wilson Bus tours. Above all, she cherished every moment with her family and the companionship of her beloved cats, most of all Melvin.

Cecilia is survived by four daughters, Diane Hastings of Phillipston, Annette Ingman of Arizona, Jeanne Bastarache of PA, and Rachel Brown and her husband Andrew of NC; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, Cecilia was predeceased by her husband J. Arthur Bastarache on December 17, 2024, as well as by her son, Paul Bastarache, who passed away in 1976; her daughter, Elaine Mallory, who passed on April 23, 2025; her three sisters, Anita Stacy, Beatrice Proctor, and Viola Allain; and two sons-in-law, Barry Hastings and Richard Franklin.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Athol Animal Control, 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331. Please reference in memory of Cecilia Bastarache.