Mary V. (Alla) Bastiani

Mary Virginia Alla Bastiani, 83, of Reading, passed away 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. 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 felt 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 was especially elated when watching her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities or with all the family gathered by the ocean on Cape Cod.

Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home on Tuesday September 8th, 2026 at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Mary's Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.

Friends and family are kindly invited to gather and share memories on Monday, September 7, 2026 from 3 pm to 6 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevator available. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Home for Little Wanderers or to a charity benefiting children experiencing homelessness.