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Raphael Bastian Obituary
Born and raised in Washington, DC, and Potomac, Raphael met her husband of 29 years, James N. Boink, Jr. in Miami, FL, where they raised their children Kateri, Marika and Holt. She graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, MD in 1983, Georgetown University in 1987 and University of Miami Law in 1991. She made lifelong friends and developed deep loyalties along the way. She joined her father's company Southern Air Transport as general counsel after working as an attorney at the U.S. Justice Department Antitrust Division and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Guided by her Catholic faith, Raphael served the Miami community and volunteered for decades at Carrollton, the Brickell Avenue Literary Society, Church of the Epiphany, pro bono guardian ad litem for Dade County, Fairchild Gardens, and recently the board of Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. She won many awards for her charitable work.
Raphael and her four siblings were adopted by James and Mary Jean "Bunny" Bastian from St. Ann's Infant Home in Hyattsville. After searching for her biological parents for nearly 25 years, she found Doug Akagi, a graphic artist and professor in California who welcomed her as a daughter. She learned of her Japanese heritage, her family's internment during World War II, and met her 100-year old grandfather, Hiro Akagi, and stepbrother, Aaron.
In addition to her husband and children, Raphael is survived by her sister Marquette Arnold of Potomac; brothers Bartholomew Bastian and Boniface Bastian of Miami and six nephews. Services will be held at Church of the Epiphany in Miami on May 9 at 11 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Raphael Bastian
Patsy Brid
April 22, 2025
One year has passed and we all remember Raphael, her warmth, kindness, and smile. Forever in our hearts, Patsy Brid
Tom Gray
October 3, 2024
Just recently made aware of Rafael's passing. Met her through her sister Marquette and was lucky to have attended Georgetown with Rafael, never forgetting how kind she was when I started there. Rest in Peace Raphael.
Robert Pilla
August 21, 2024
I was privileged to know Raphael and her mother for several years while I worked on renovations to both their homes. She was always a joy to be around and her smile seemed never ending. Raphael took after her mother in her generosity and joy in life. I shall miss her dearly.
Lynne Griffin
May 8, 2024
We are so sad and devastated to learn about Raphael´s passing. She was such a talented and generous person. Please accept our deepest condolences . May all of you find comfort and support from each other.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love the Griffin family, Lynne, Henry and Charlotte.
Leatrice Damus
May 8, 2024
My sincere condolences to Raphael's family. A woman of grace and beauty, inside and out. It was an honor to serve with her on the Gala In The Garden Committee for several years. May God hold you in the Palm of his hands.
Love, Leatrice (Lee) Damus
Nancy Jo Nicholas
May 7, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Raphael, all your Stone Ridge friends will love you and miss you always.
Tracie Lockhart Tillery
May 6, 2024
Raphael has made a difference in so many lives. I am grateful to have known her as part of the Stone Ridge of the Sacred Heart Family.
Rest in Peace Raphael
Mary Brenner
May 3, 2024
Bunny was the consummate hostess, we were honored to be in her company knowing we would have fun and be elegantly treated. Bunny was a treasure for her friends, family and community.
Patsy Brid
April 30, 2024
Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of Raphael. My Mother Panama loved both Bunny and Raphael very much. Now they are together , our Angels in Heaven .
Lily
April 28, 2024
May God, who comforts us in all trials, comfort and guard your hearts and give you peace during this difficult time.
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