Jeannette Bastian

Those who knew and loved Jeannette Bastian have so many precious memories that will never be forgotten. The common threads throughout her fabric of time were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds, and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds that set her apart from the rest. It was evident from the life she lived that Jeannette fully embraced that being a mother is truly a matter of the heart, and becoming a grandmother was simply the icing on the cake. Jeannettes years of dedication and love afforded her both a happy place in life, and a family that loved her dearly. 1925 found the country right in the middle of the Roaring Twenties. For those living in big cities it was a time of flappers and speakeasies, while those living in small towns focused on hard work and raising families. Alfred and Laurentia (Charron) Bourdon lived in the close-knit community of Hastings, Michigan. Alfred worked and was part owner of Universal Cam Shaft, while Laurentia cared for their five children, Norma, Undine, Katherine, Carmen and Rolland, and made preparations for the arrival of another bundle of joy. On March 27, 1925, the couple was doubly blessed with the births of their twin daughters, Jeanne and Jeannette, who rounded out the Bourdon household with seven children. With six siblings, Jeannette had plenty of opportunity to create many unforgettable childhood memories. She enjoyed spending her days riding bikes and jumping rope with her sister, Jeanne, and friend, Lois Flickema. They also liked to jump on the train that ran near their home, and once it reached the end of the line, the crew headed back to drop everyone off. Some of Jeannettes fondest childhood memories were made at her grandfathers and uncles cottages on Lake Michigan, where they enjoyed picnics, swimming and exploring the beaches for hidden treasures. For education, Jeannette went to kindergarten at Moon School and completed her academics at St. Jeans Catholic School, where she graduated in 1944. It was only natural as twins for Jeannette and Jeanne to have a very close bound, and did nearly everything together. As teenagers, the girls both attended the Doster House School of Dance for 3 years and eventually took their talents to Texas to sing and dance for the military troops their mom even made them costumes for the performance. The girls also became known as the Bourdon Twins while singing on the radio station WKBZ Muskegon, which was on the upper floor of the Frauenthal Center. Whatever the girls did, they always had fun! Jeannette was working in the Records Department of Mercy Hospital when her life took a new and exciting direction. Her co-worker, Eloise, set her up on a blind date with a handsome young man named George J. Bastian, and as fate would have it, they fell in love. The two were married on November 27, 1948, and although they rarely saw eye to eye on anything they shared 53 great years together. Jeannette and George had three children: Linda, Michael and Dennis, who were their pride and joys. As a mother, Jeannette considered her kids to be her greatest gift and blessing in life. Because George worked long hours, she basically raised the children on her own. Jeannette taught them good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives. Some of her son Mikes fondest memories growing up were of his mom teaching him to write and do math, and helping him to manage money that he earned from his paper route in 5th grade. For Dennis, it was the tenderness of his moms heart that meant the world to him. After coming home from the hospital from being hit by a car, Dennis was pretty shook up, scared and nervous, but without a word, his mom softly calmed his fears and made all well again. Jeannettes love and devotion went deep when it came to her family. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Jeannette enjoyed a 30-year career working in various pharmacies, including Bectel Pharmacy, Penneys Pharmacy and Deans D Pharmacy. Because of her job, Jeannette was motivated to finally learn to drive, and after doing so, bought her own car at the age of 41. After a fulfilling career, Jeannette retired at the age of 62. Always looking for ways to help others, Jeannette decided to do some volunteer work at Sacred Heart School, where she read to the children and worked in the library. She also served as an election official at polling sites on Election Day for several years, and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Still, Jeannette always found time to spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who she adored. Linda especially enjoyed going out to dinner with her mom to Lees Famous Recipe, or taking a car ride and playing cards together. Jeannette regularly met up with her friends and sisters, Carmen and Katie, for a Coke and small talk at Walmart. When it came to her quieter moments, Jeannette enjoyed doing puzzles and word searches, reading novels and knitting baby caps. As she grew older, Jeannette started showing signs of Alzheimers and eventually went to live at Agape House, where she passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Although Jeannette will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Jeannette is survived by her children, Linda (Jack) Postema of Norton Shores, Michael (Rosalyn) Bastian of Norton Shores, Dennis (Tricia) Bastian of KS; grandchildren, Todd, Peter, Amy, Andrew; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Jeanne (Robert) Andersen of Norton Shores; sisters-in-law, Audrey (Norman) Hullinger of Sparta, Norma (Norman) Beaucamp of NC; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, in 2001; brother, Rolland, and his wife, Marion; sisters, Katherine Johnson, Undine Bassett, Norma Beyer & Carmen Savidge. Services will be held on Monday, November 5, at 10:30 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Fr. Michael Olson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mercy VNS & Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.