WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ann Marie Karjala Bastin, age 61, passed on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, surrounded by family after a bravely fought battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her loved ones are beyond proud of her strength and poise amid illness and grateful for the extra time spent with her.
Ann was born on Feb. 3, 1956, in Ann Arbor, Mich. She graduated from Huron High School and the University of Michigan, where she met her beloved husband Jeffrey Kent Bastin. They married on Oct. 5, 1983 and moved to Sturgis, Mich., where they have happily resided since.
In the early years, Ann was employed at Styleline Products and the Harter Corporation. While raising children, she worked at Jeffrey K Bastin, DDS. Philanthropy played an important role throughout her life. Ann volunteered at the local schools, Thurston Woods Nursing Home, Sturgis Hospital Gift Shop, and the Salvation Army Food Bank. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends and spoiling her pets. Her other interests included reading, cooking, gardening, and travel.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Clara (Niska) Karjala and her brother, Gary Karjala. Survivors include her immediate family, Jeff (husband), Greg (son), and Nichole (daughter), Carl Karjala (brother), Heidi Hargesheimer (sister-in-law), Mildred Maldonado (sister-in-law), Dennis and Carol Bastin (brother and sister-in-law), Larry and Lynda Howard (brother and sister-in-law), as well as her nieces, nephews, and their respective children.
The family of Ann Bastin would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barbara McGrath of the Community Health Center of Branch County. Dr. McGrath provided wonderful care throughout Ann’s long struggle with cancer.
A celebration of life will be held at the Sturges-Young Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1-4 p.m.
The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Per her request in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army Food Pantry located at 105 North 4th Street in Sturgis. Donations to the food pantry will also be accepted at the Celebration. Her remains have been cremated and will be scattered on the family estate.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
