Claudette M. Meehan

Claudette M. Meehan (Bastarache) of Bridgewater passed away on August 28, 2025, after a nine-month, courageous and painful battle with esophageal cancer. She was 75.

Born in Acushnet, MA on September 20, 1949, Claudette-affectionately known as "Ditto"-was the youngest of three daughters. She attended Bishop Stang High School and later married Edward F. Meehan of New Bedford. The couple moved to Ware, MA in the mid-1970s, where they welcomed their children, Liz and Charlie. During her years there, Claudette was active in community theater and worked at WARE Radio. Following their divorce in the early 1980s, she moved to Portsmouth, NH, where she worked at an oldies radio station. When the station closed, she returned to New Bedford in the late 1980s to be closer to family. She later enjoyed a long career as a Payroll Specialist at CSC Consulting in Waltham, commuting more than an hour each way for over 20 years.

Claudette shared her love of music, politics, sports, and travel with her children. She was a passionate advocate for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and human rights. In her 30s and 40s, she was an avid windsurfer, often found at Fogland Beach in Tiverton, RI. She traveled to Europe and several Caribbean islands, and had a keen eye for both fashion and home decorating. Claudette was fun to be around-witty, humorous, sometimes sarcastic, and always ready to make others laugh.

In later years, she faced challenges with anxiety and depression, yet she remained deeply engaged with current events, sports, movies, music, and theater. Her greatest joy was spending time with those she loved, especially her grandchildren. Claudette will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved children, Elizabeth McCarran and her partner, Josh Bauer, of Bridgewater, and Charlie Meehan of Bridgewater; her loving grandchildren, Hannah and Noah McCarran; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was the cherished daughter of the late Albert and Yvonne (LeBlanc) Bastarache, and sister of the late Nancy Wunschel and the late Carol Rocha.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 2–5 p.m. at Lakeville Country Club, 44 Clear Pond Rd., Lakeville. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claudette's memory to National Public Radio (NPR), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.