Barbara J. Debastiani

EASTHAMPTON - Barbara J. (Stejna) DeBastiani, 88, of Bassett Brook Drive in Easthampton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening with her four daughters by her side. Barbara was born in Ludlow, MA, the daughter of Walter and Sophie (Majowicz) Stejna. She grew up in Indian Orchard, MA, and later moved to Ludlow. She married Walter DeBastiani of Northampton, MA, and they settled in Middlebury, CT, to raise their family.
Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s employment agency and later as an administrative assistant for Shearson/Lehman. When her husband Walter passed away in 1982 at the age of 52, Barbara faced the challenge of raising their five children on her own with remarkable strength and determination. During her years in Middlebury, Barbara forged deep, lasting friendships within the community and was a central, supportive presence in her family’s and friends' lives.

As her children grew older, she returned to her roots in Massachusetts and settled in Easthampton for about 25 years. There, she especially loved to play mahjong with her friends, adding joy and laughter to their lives. Barbara was incredibly active and had a deep passion for all things creative. She created beautiful stained glass, woven baskets, needlepoint, knitting, sewing, and felting projects which now decorate the homes of all her loved ones. Her generosity and kindness knew no bounds and she loved to share her beautiful creations. She also loved to cook, and her swoon worthy recipes have been passed down across generations to forever grace the tables of all of her friends and family.

Vivacious, strong, and funny, Barbara had a knack for making friends everywhere she went. Her friendly, outgoing personality endeared her to many, and people were naturally drawn to her warmth, humor, and welcoming smile. In her later years, she enjoyed living at the Lathrop Community in Easthampton, where she tried new activities and made many wonderful new friends. Barbara cherished spending time with her family; her children and grandchildren meant the world to her, and she found immense joy in their company and the memories they created together.

Barbara leaves behind her children and their families: Denise Gollaher, her husband Brian, and daughter Amanda of Hopkinton, MA; Dawn Langworthy, her husband John, and children Devon and Jillian of Sherman CT; Deborah Whittaker and her husband Christian of Easthampton, MA; Daniel DeBastiani of Belchertown, MA; and Deanne Kelly, her husband Stephen, and their children Jackson and Maddison of Wethersfield, CT. Additionally, she is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends across New England and New York. In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by her two sisters Genevieve Malinowski and Sylvia DesForges.

THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024 AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON FROM 12:00 TO 2:00 P.M. WITH A RELIGIOUS SERVICE AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT 2:00 P.M. Interment of Barbara’s ashes will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Northampton.

Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Oncology Dept., c/o Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Development Office, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329
(Please put “Barbara DeBastiani” in memo line)