Rita N. (Florence) Bastine

ATHOL- Rita Nellie (Florence) Bastine, 71 of Athol, died on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 after battling a long illness. She was born on October 15, 1950 in Athol, to Mildred Mary (Choquette) Florence and George Edward Florence Sr. She was one of eight children, including; Marion (Choquette) Bigwood, John William Choquette, David Choquette, Bernadette (Florence) Wood, Michael Choquette and is survived by a sister Georgette (Florence) Jennings and her husband, Clayton of Orange and a brother George Edward Florence Jr. of Athol. The two great loves of her life were James L. Smith of Royalston and Donald Samuel Bastine of Leominster, both deceased. She leaves behind two daughters, Tara Jean (Bastine) Vaitkevicius and Tia Marie Bastine and her husband Robert Pillman of Leominster. Also three grandchildren, Grayson Mitchell Vaitkevicius of Virginia, Sabrina Marie Vaitkevicius of Texas, and Greggory Michael Vaitkevicius of Delaware. As well as many nieces and nephews and her cat Salem, who all loved her very much. She was a graduate of New Salem Academy in 1969. She went to college to study nursing. She was an outstanding nurse, and an excellent provider for her family. Sometimes she would work two jobs at a time. She worked at Athol Memorial Hospital, Quabbin Valley Healthcare for 16 years, Eastwood Pines Nursing Home, North Quabbin Family Physicians, Cass’ Joy Company, Victory, and in 1987 she got a Private Investigators License. In 1997, she was forced into early retirement by an illness. Being the trooper she was, she didn’t let this stop her from being the amazing daughter, wife, mother, sister, and caregiver that she was to everyone who was lucky enough to know her. From trips to doctor appointments for every member of the family to making your favorite dish if you were coming home to visit. She would always greet you with a big hug and a smile. Rita showed her love with everything she did! Her hobbies were going to Bingo, playing Skip-Bo, doing puzzle books, dances, listening to music, watching Elvis movies, and the lottery. Those who knew and loved her will miss her dearly and are grateful for knowing her. Rita’s funeral service will be held Thursday, January 20, 2022, 7:00pm, at Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/ To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, is assisting with arrangements. Kevin J. Mack and Walter C. Taylor, funeral directors.