Dec 17, 1942 — Sep 2, 2026
Mary Virginia Alla Bastiani, 83, of Reading, passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, September 2, with family by her side, following a brief hospitalization after a stroke.
Mary was born on December 17, 1942, in Washington, D.C., the only child of Adolph Arthur Alla and Ruth Samuelson Alla. She attended Winchester High School, graduating in 1960, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Boston University in 1964.
Mary began her career as an elementary school teacher at the Gleason School in Medford. She married her husband, Anthony (Tony), on October 12, 1968, and dedicated herself to raising their family as a loving stay-at-home mother. Years later, she returned to education as a tutor at Coolidge Middle School and as a private tutor, helping many young people in Reading.
Throughout her life, Mary was deeply involved in her community where she developed many meaningful friendships. She served as a leader for Camp Fire and Cub Scout troops, was an active member of the St. Athanasius Choir for 18 years, served as a Welcome Wagon hostess for the Town of Reading, and held leadership roles as President of both the Young Women’s League and the Friends of the Reading Public Library. She was also a member of the Reading College Club.
Mary enjoyed gardening, knitting, playing games, reading biographies of American historical figures, and attending live theater.
Above all, Mary cherished her family. She was blessed to share nearly 58 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Anthony Vincent Bastiani, and was a devoted and loving mother to Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald (David), David Anthony Bastiani (Laura), and Allison Ruth Bastiani (Alex Oliver). She was the proud grandmother of Ethan and Avery Archibald; Ian and Mia Bastiani; Benjamin and Leo Volchok; and Cole Deason.
Mary’s most treasured moments were those spent with the people she loved. She was immensely proud to be Anthony’s wife and adored her three children and seven grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. She took pleasure in Game Days and lunch dates with her girlfriends and was especially elated when watching her grandchildren’s activities or gathered with family by the ocean on Cape Cod.
Funeral arrangements are by the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Mary’s Eternal Life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Winchester.
Friends and family are kindly invited to gather and share memories on Monday, September 7, 2026 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home of Reading, 11 Linden Street, Reading, MA. Parking attendants and elevator are available.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Home for Little Wanderers or to a charity benefiting children experiencing homelessness.
