Anna Bastian, 'Integral Part' Of Melrose, Dies

MELROSE, MA — Anna Bastian, a founding member of the Melrose League of Women Voters and longtime supporter of local causes who established a lasting legacy in the city, has died. The Melrose Alliance Against Violence, which Bastian was a key part of, announced her death Wednesday morning. A cause of death was not given.

Bastian was highly recognized for her work as an estate attorney in Melrose since 1995. Her local involvement outside of law ran deep. Bastian was on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club, sat on numerous school committees and was the co-leader of a Girl Scour troop, among many other things.

"Anna (never to be called Ann or Annie) had a great impact and was an integral part of our community," Mayor Gail Infurna told Patch Wednesday afternoon. "She was a pioneer in many ways, a leader and involved in so many causes. She was a strong, independent thinker and a smart woman. I loved getting together for dinner with her to enjoy her somewhat dry sense of humor, her sage advice and good friendship. There was no problem that couldn't be solved over a good martini. She will be sorely missed but her legacy will live on."

The Melrose League of Woman Voters was honored earlier this month by the city. Bastian was among those present.

"The Melrose League has been instrumental in the creation of a municipal recycling program, the cleanup of Ell Pond, and the establishment of the Melrose Human Rights Commission and the Melrose Alliance Against Violence," a resolution from Infurna read.

Bastian was also an "integral part" of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, the organization said in a statement.

"Anna was involved in all aspects of MAAV over many years, enriching us with her sharp intellect, strong ethics and wry sense of humor. Most of all, she was passionate about our mission of supporting victims and survivors of violence. Our hearts go out to Anna’s family, friends, and the entire community. Her loss is immeasurable but her strong spirit will live on."

Bastian moved to Boston from New York - a move she said like was being swept away "to the country," according to Alderman Mike Zwirko. She graduated from New York University in 1987 and got her law degree from Boston University in 1995.

"When she moved to Melrose, she was all in," Zwirko said. "She was one of the people who left an indelible fingerprint on the community. She was just a real full fledged member of the community in every sense of the word."

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