PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mrs. Mary Katherine Burke Bastow, 78, of 156 Fort Hill Avenue, Pittsfield, and formerly a longtime resident of 46 Melrose Avenue in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017, at Springside of Pittsfield after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Born on March 16, 1939 In Pittsfield, a daughter of the late Edward A. and Frances E. Kirby Burke, she attended schools in Lenox, and was a 1956 graduate of Lenox High School and was the class valedictorian. 

Mary was employed for the General Electric Company Plastics Division for 25 years as supervisor of office services. She enjoyed spending time with her family and doing crossword puzzles. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Sherman E. Bastow Sr., whom she married in Lenox, on May 25, 1957; two sons, Sherman E. “Skip” Bastow, Jr. and Robert R. Bastow and his wife Tammy all of Pittsfield, three daughters, Deborah Caparrelli of Pittsfield, Elizabeth “Betsy” May and her husband Steven of East Bridgewater, and Katherine Burr and her husband James of Lanesborough; a sister, Theresa Curley of Naples. Fla., formerly of Lenox; nine grandchildren, Philip Bastow and wife Leia, Brian Bastow and wife Michele, Joseph Bastow and wife Amy, David Caparrelli, Jr., Nicole May, Steven May, Emily Burr, Hannah Burr and Alex Bastow; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Grace Bastow. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including, Bruce, Ed and Steve Curley. 

She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Sherri A. Bastow on April 8, 2015.

Funeral notice: Calling hours will be held Friday, December 22, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, Mass.