Military Service and Publishing Career Shape the Life of Claire Bazinet
Claire Bazinet, an 88-year-old resident of Chicopee and longtime resident of Flushing, New York, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at River Mills Assisted Living. Born in Holyoke on April 11, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Rudolphe and Elizabeth (Dressel) Bazinet.
At the age of 18, Bazinet enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years as an Information Specialist, reaching the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. During her military service, she attended the United States Information School at Fort Slocum, New York, and was stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland before receiving an honorable discharge in 1959.
Following her military service, Bazinet moved to New York City. She worked as an editor for Arco Publishing and Grosset & Dunlap Publishers Inc. while also serving as an Administrative Secretary of the Universal Library. Her career culminated at Sterling Publishing Company, which later became Barnes and Noble Publishing, where she worked as an editor until her retirement in 2009. She returned to Chicopee in 2023, though her heart always remained in New York City, prompting her to affectionately sign messages to family as “ACNYC” for Aunt Claire New York City.
Family Survivors and Predeceased Relatives
Bazinet passed away at her home surrounded by the care and comfort of her niece, Barbara, and great-niece, Ashley. She is survived by her devoted niece, Barbara Paulo.
She was predeceased by her parents, Rudolphe and Elizabeth Bazinet; her sister, Helen Desorcy, and her husband, Romeo; and her nephew, Daniel Paulo. Her family expressed appreciation to the staff and caregivers at River Mills Assisted Living, as well as family and friends for their support.
Remembrance Services Scheduled for April 2027
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Bazinet on Friday, April 9, 2027, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, located at 13 Dale Street in Chicopee, Massachusetts. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Committal Service featuring United States Army Military Honors is scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 9, 2027, in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, located at 1390 Main Street in Agawam, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
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