Janet Lee Bastean
October 31, 2018, the Lord called home Janet Lee Bastean, age 81, of Quincy. She was born February 22, 1937 in Jacksonville, IL the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret (Schaffer) Staggs.
She was a 1955 graduate of Quincy High School having made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
After a four-year flirtatious courtship, she married the love of her life, Robert Bastean on June 16, 1956. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Together, they raised three daughters.
Jan and Bob opened their home to students and visitors from Nigeria, Sweden, Japan, Iceland, and Costa Rica adding a fourth ‘daughter,’ Gaby along the way.
She held a number-of positions in her life in the fields of journalism, education, and health. She retired from her job as a vision/hearing technician with the Adams County Health Department.
It seems fitting that Jan passed on Halloween, a day of tricks or treats. She enjoyed the spirit of the holiday, regularly donning a black witch costume complete with oversized spectacles and hat. Her love of tricks extended to April Fool’s Day – an occasion where she delighted in the pranks she (and Bob) could pull on her unsuspecting daughters. Her love of arts and crafts kept her house decorated for every holiday. Her daughters were the primary beneficiaries of her sewing skills throughout the years.
Jan was known for her love of children, whether it was working with preschoolers at the YWCA or watching the antics of her great grandchildren. While not a close follower of sports, to the dismay of her grandsons with whom she sometimes bet, her opposing “teams” most frequently won.
She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, a literacy volunteer, and delivered Meals on Wheels with her husband since the program’s inception around 46 years ago.
She is survived by her husband Bob; daughters Lori Bastean (Greg Sutter), Linda (Ralph) Timpe, Julie (Mark) Yepsen, Gaby Mena (Johnny Segura); grandchildren Nick Bastean (Miriam Blume), Gavin Yepsen, Amanda Penisten; and great grandchildren Arabel and Martin Bastean.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 9 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home, 823 Broadway. Services will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament, 1119 S 7th ST.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, Blessing Hospice, Sunset Home, Blessed Sacrament, or another charity of the donor’s choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Sunset Home for their wonderful compassionate care of Jan over the past two years.
She was loved by all, sorry to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sorry for your loss. Will have wonderful memories of the old neighborhood
Dear Bob & and family.
We are saddened to learn that Janet passed away. She was a kind dear soul that leave a void to so many. We enjoyed her envolvement in education causes.
May God’s Blessings and your vivid memories bring you a measure of comfort at this trying time.
Mrs Bastean was my “nursery school” teacher at the YWCA…more than 50 years ago. She was a wonderful teacher; I still remember the fun and grand adventures we had, learning so many new things!
I later went through school with Julie. Every time I got to see Mrs Bastean, she was always the same: Cheerful, kind, and a little mischievous!
My sincere sympathies on your great loss. May God comfort you and surround you with His peace.
We do not grieve as the rest of men, who have no hope. – I Thessalonians 4:13
So sorry for your loss.
We have wonderful memories living next door on State Street. Not only was Jan a great neighbor but a friend. We are saddened to hear of her passing and pray peace and comfort for the family. The treasured memories will help through the time of grieving. With deepest sympathy. Mike and Kathy
To Bob and family so sorry for your loss she will be missed. It was my honor and privilege to take care of her. You are in my thoughts.