Denise Cancia Martel-Bastien (April 12, 1956 - January 08, 2025)

In loving memory of
Denise Cancia Martel-Bastien
  • April 12, 1956
  • -
  • January 08, 2025

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Obituary

Denise Cancia Martel-Bastien 68, of The Villages, Fl passed away surrounded by a loving family on January 8, 2025, 8 months to the day after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. During her final days she wanted us to “tell her story” as it started with “Hello Everybody, Yes, I’m dead.”

She was born in Manchester, NH, the daughter of Robert and Candy Martel, she grew up on the West Side of the city attending the local schools. After graduation she worked in the hospitality and restaurant industry, eventually managing The Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in Danvers Mass where she met her best friend, roommate and eventually sister-in-law Lisa. Later she returned to Manchester and worked at Anton’s Restaurant while opening/operating Denise’s Ceramics with her mom. (who she thought of frequently while fighting her cancer). Her working life continued with 27 years as a postal employee. She retired from the USPS in Londonderry NH as a rural carrier in 2020.

In 2017, Dee was inducted into the USPS Hall of Fame achieving Hero Status. While on her route she took care of a 3-year-old. The boy had been lost in his condo unit in the middle of winter shoeless and sobbing and she assured him that he was safe and with a friend until authorities arrived.

Denise enjoyed being a young, vibrant unassuming 20+ year old going to local clubs dancing, partying and becoming a groupie to the local band Hot Property. It was at that time that she began “A Love Story” with Gerry (the keyboard player) that would be the envy of everyone they met for the next 42 adventurous years!

The adventures continued, settling in Manchester helping to raise Gerry’s two boys as her own. She loved, admired and was so proud of being involved in every aspect of their lives from childhood, manhood to fatherhood. Dan and Jeff loved her back unconditionally as their “second mom”, solidifying this love especially in her struggles with cancer and in the last month of her earthly life.

Denise’s story continues – 25 years filled with memories of lake life on Crystal Lake in Gilmanton IW New Hampshire. Lake projects, heading the boat parade 4th of July (23 years), raking the lake, beating/skunking Gerry at Cribbage, playing parcheesi while floating in our boat. Going out with Denise and Ernie on antique car excursions in the MGB. Tubing and a nightly fire pit with 4 special young ladies (her granddaughters): Shelby, Catherin, Adelaide and Elenore who continued to show their love and admiration for their Mémère on her journey through the many Facetimes and What’s App. Conversations.

Dee Bastien AKA Mrs. B had the great distinction of being called the “First Lady of Alvirne Music”. As she told everyone. “If I wanted to see my husband (Gerry, the band director) then I would have to get involved.” After working all day at the post office, she would come by to Alvirne High School in Hudson NH (the next town over from Londonderry) and make things happen in the music office/area much to Gerry’s amazement.

Mrs. B made a difference – as over 600 + Facebook comments, accolades of admiration and love as well as private messages to her husband have attested since her passing.

In the last 2 years, The Villages, Florida became the winter retreat. Golf, Bocce, Shows, Dinner and Dancing in the Squares helped to bring out Dee’s zest for life, fun, passion, and compassion. “Fitting in” with the Victory Dr neighborhood was a blessing. Yes, God put her here for a reason.

Denise (Dee) was predeceased by her parents Bob and Candy, brothers Ronnie R and Rickie G Martel, her Mémère (grandmother) Angeline Gauthier as well as an aunt and uncles.

She is survived by her husband Gerry, (42 years), Dan Bastien, his significant other Elizabeth Hester, (Maryland), Jeff Bastien and Nicole (Munich, Germany). Her brother Robbie and his wife, Denise’s best friend Lisa Martel, (Candia NH), her godson Jaymin Martel (Candia NH) and the loves of her life granddaughters: Shelby, Catherin, Adelaide and Eleonore. Normand Bastien Sr. and sister-in-law Cathy (N. Ft. Myers) as well as her niece Cathy Jo Reed and Family (Ma.) and Nephew Normand Bastien Jr and his son (N. Ft. Myers).

Denise (Dee) loved and appreciated those who were there to support her husband Gerry as she approached the inevitability. Sons, Dan, and Jeff (via FaceTime). Her brother Robbie, his wife Lisa and her godchild Jaymin Martel. Brother-in-law Normand and sister-in-law Cathy

Like Bogie and Bacall we had it all!

Services:
A celebration of life will be held in February at one of the Villages Rec Centers for our neighbors, friends and relatives who live in the area.
In April, there will be a Celebration of Life in Manchester, NH

A scholarship fund will be set up at a later date for students in the music department through Alvirne High School, Hudson NH. Donations will also be accepted to the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida in Denise (Dee) Martel Bastien’s name.


Tribute Wall

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  1. Angie Fails says:
    05 Feb 2025
    Gerry,
    May the peace of God be with you now and always. I, too, understand the pain of losing your best friend and love of your life. Please know that you are in my prayers and Dee is in a much better place than we are.

  2. Angie Faild lit a candle:
    05 Feb 2025
    Lit since February 5, 2025 at 2:36:13 PM

  3. June Chisholm says:
    25 Jan 2025
    Gerry and boys, we are heartbroken for you on the loss of Dee. She was so kind to make a ceramic baseball player for us. Adorable. What a support she was for you and the teams. Prayers to you from Mike and June Chisholm

  4. Jo Bisbing lit a candle:
    23 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 23, 2025 at 1:25:33 PM

  5. Jo Bisbing lit a candle:
    23 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 23, 2025 at 1:24:50 PM

  6. Judy Masson says:
    22 Jan 2025
    Jerry, so sorry to hear about Dee's tough journey. We had many happy Legion games together and I still have the ceramic cheerleader she made me. I know your loss as Ray passed 4 yrs ago Valentine's Day. I'm sure they're cheering some team on in heaven. Love to all.

  7. Mary Spurrell says:
    20 Jan 2025
    Mr. B, we are all so sorry for your loss.

    Mary, Paul and Nick Spurrell

  8. Debbie O'Donnell lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 19, 2025 at 1:43:27 PM

  9. Robert Sidway says:
    19 Jan 2025
    Gerry, my sincere condolences on your loss of Dee.

  10. Frank & Vickie DiFonzo lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 19, 2025 at 1:26:54 PM

  11. Jeanne Sutera says:
    17 Jan 2025
    Dear Gerry:
    I am so sorry for your loss! I definitely know what you’re going through. It is t easy loosing the love of your life. Dee was such a sweet lady and always so kind to me. She seemed like she was really living life and loving the Villages. May you remember all the happy times you two had together. and keep her memory alive. She is no longer in pain. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord

  12. Jeanne Sutera lit a candle:
    17 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 17, 2025 at 1:42:18 PM

  13. Charmaine lit a candle:
    17 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 17, 2025 at 1:46:17 AM

  14. Charmaine lit a candle:
    17 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 17, 2025 at 1:44:41 AM

  15. Tom and Judy Salati says:
    15 Jan 2025
    Gerry - our deepest condolences on Dee’s passing. We are so saddened to hear about her recent health challenges. Dee was such a tremendous person who always made you feel so welcome, as we often think of our visit to the Villages. Her life was so beautifully summarized and a real tribute to the wonderful person she was. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace during this difficult time.

  16. Tom and Judy Salati lit a candle:
    15 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 15, 2025 at 1:18:21 PM

  17. Neil posted an image:
    15 Jan 2025
    Dee, the Birthday Girl at her 50th birthday party
    Dee, the Birthday Girl at her 50th birthday party

  18. Neil posted an image:
    15 Jan 2025
    Gerry pinning a corsage on Dee at her 50th birthday party
    Gerry pinning a corsage on Dee at her 50th birthday party

  19. Beth Knick lit a candle:
    15 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 15, 2025 at 1:27:36 PM

  20. Denise April says:
    15 Jan 2025
    Gerry, my dear cousin and childhood friend, I am so so sorry for the loss of the love of your life - Dee. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak you must be going through. You’ll be in my prayers for sure.

    I never met her in person, but by following all your posts on Facebook it was easy to see that you were very much in love, were quite mischievous, enjoyed the same things, and were ready to drop everything for the opportunity of yet another one of your many adventures.

    May she rest in peace and with no pain.

    We also lost a brother, Armand, to that same horrible disease in 2021. Just so you know, you don’t walk alone.

  21. Gregg & Bonny Kuhnen lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:46:33 PM

  22. The Romano Family lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:10:47 PM

  23. Ken and Judy Martin lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:10:26 PM

  24. Olivia L lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:28:22 PM

  25. Jim & Cathy Whitney lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:32:53 PM

  26. Mike & Judy Kobilarcsik lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:10:34 PM

  27. Lisa and Chris Condo lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:17:56 AM

  28. Elizabeth Dyer lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:48:18 AM

  29. Liz Beaton lit a candle:
    14 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 14, 2025 at 1:09:10 AM

  30. Adam says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Mrs B will always have a place in my heart and bring nothing but fond memories to mind. From all the times at rehearsals and band camp that she was there, to the games and band shows she helped at, to the trips we went on, to Mr B's retirement party and his gigs at Lynn's Tavern. She always brought a good mood, some laughs, and a tender touch for those that needed it.

  31. Art, Janice, and Lily Sullivan lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:29:45 PM

  32. Danielle 'Sutton' Husted lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:17:19 PM

  33. The Cerato Family lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:47:55 PM

  34. Linda Schraeder lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:45:08 PM

  35. Shannon Brennick lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:37:07 PM

  36. Shannon Brennick says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Best friend, forever supporter, second mother, opposite birthday buddy, #1 fan, motivator, model of a great human being. Forever missed and always remembered!

  37. Lyndsay (Wyka) Kilgour lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:26:41 PM

  38. PMSD lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:25:25 PM

  39. Candace Friborg lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:59:29 PM

  40. Candace Friborg lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:58:14 PM

  41. Rick Couture says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Although I’ve known you for over 60 years, I moved away from New England in 1975 so I didn’t get to meet her until about 10 years ago. She was a wonderful person. You guys had a great life. See you soon.

  42. Wendy Hennessy says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Such a wonderful story of a beautiful lady. She was such an amazing woman and will be so missed by all who knew her.
    Rest peacefully Dee. Until we meet again.

  43. Paul Santerre lit a candle:
    13 Jan 2025
    Lit since January 13, 2025 at 1:15:52 PM

  44. Ruby says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Beautiful story/tribute, Gerry. Dee was very special and we loved having you folks as our lake neighbors. So many fond memories. Rest in Peace Dee.

  45. Carol & John says:
    13 Jan 2025
    You’ve said it all perfectly!
    Dee was an extraordinary person with a great love of life and music! She smiled in every activity she participated in. We will always remember the short but happy times spent together. And while playing cards together I can still hear her asking “ do you want to go out?”
    May she rest in Peace and still hear the music.
    John and Carol ❤️

  46. Jeanne and Ray Clermont posted an image:
    13 Jan 2025
    Sitting’ on the Dock of the Bay.. celebrating Life in The Villages. You two embraced The Villages Lifestyle with gusto. We love you and are here to support you in any way we can. Soar with the Angels Dee❤️
    Sitting’ on the Dock of the Bay.. celebrating Life in The Villages. You two embraced The Villages Lifestyle with gusto. We love you and are here to support you in any way we can. Soar with the Angels Dee❤️

  47. christine mcpherson says:
    13 Jan 2025
    Jerry
    I know I just met you but with all you shared with me, it was as if I knew Dee. Thank you for letting take care of her near the end of life. May her spirit live on in you and family.
    Christine Mcpherson (toni’s sister)

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