Jean A. Bastian's Obituary
Jean Aloice Bastian, 94, died peacefully on October 10, 2024 as a new day dawned.
She is survived by many dear friends and former students. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl William and Mabel Clare (Willson) Bastian of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Jean will be remembered for many things but especially for her beloved dogs: Chukker, Lucky, Rosie, Charly, Molly and Buddy who were her loyal companions throughout her life.
Jean also will be remembered as an avid reader often seen walking her dog and reading! She enjoyed her "book-buddy" drop-offs.
Jean enjoyed sports both as a player and a spectator. She waterskied on the St. Clair River. She golfed at Pine Shores and cheered on the LPGA. She played on the M & L Belles softball team and she cheered on ball games. But, her loyalty was always to her alumni team- the Louisville Cardinals. And, of course, the Kentucky Derby was never missed on the first Saturday of May!
Jean was MUSIC! In the 3rd grade, Jean chose the trombone as her instrument. She ultimately obtained a Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Jean's first band teacher job was in Clear Spring, Indiana and from there Jean found her way to the East China School District teaching music in Marine City until her retirement. She established the "Marine City Alumni and Friends" scholarship fund for students looking to pursue music education as a career. And, Jean mentored many accomplished musicians from the area.
Jean was a trombonist and she loved playing. She was recruited for an all girls orchestra while in high school and even put together her own swing band – The Gay Notes which played gigs locally in her home town area. Through college, playing trombone earned her enough money to buy a car and support her education. She played in many Blue Water Area groups: Blue Water Brass, Sarnia Citizens Band, SCCCC Band and the later the International Symphony Orchestra. Jean also conducted the orchestra for St. Clair, Port Huron and Richmond Theater guilds for many years. And Jean was a co-founder of the East China Community Band and conducted the Double Brass Quintet at Port Huron Music Center.
Opera was Jean's joy! She would travel to Detroit or New York City or to the Krafft 9 in Port Huron to see live MET performances and she hardly ever missed a " Live at Lincoln Center" broadcast on Saturday afternoons on the radio.
Jean gives special thanks to her "keep-hers", Blue Water Hospice (Home) and Coughlin Cares for helping her help herself to stay home, be safe, and be happy.
Jean was steadfast in her faith. Memorials can be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 1213 Sixth St., Port Huron, MI 48060.
Service and reception will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church. You are invited to bring your instrument as we plan to give Jean a musical send off!
Cremation arrangements entrusted to L.C. Friederichs & Son Funeral Home, St. Clair. To send a message of condolence or to share a memory please visit: www.lcfandson.com
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