It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Raphael Bastian SH‘83, P‘16, ‘18, Carrollton’s Chair of the Board of Trustees. Raphael passed away on April 23, after a brief illness.
For the past three years as Board Chair, Raphael helped lead Carrollton to new heights. She was completing her sixth year on the Board and previously served as the President of the Carrollton Parent Council. She had an unparalleled passion for Sacred Heart education and our shared work at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Her commitment to Carrollton’s mission, rooted in faith, intellect, service, and growth, resonated deeply with all whose lives she touched.
She was a proud alumna of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland, graduating in 1983. Raphael went on to study at Georgetown University and later graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, where she met her husband James Boink. After a few stops elsewhere in the US, they eventually returned to Miami, where they raised their three children, Kateri (Class of 2016), Marika (Class of 2018), and their son, Holt, who graduated from Christopher Columbus High School’s Mas Scholars Program in 2020. Raphael's late mother, Bunny Bastian, contributed significantly to Carrollton as well, also serving on the Board of Trustees.
While Raphael loved Carrollton and Sacred Heart education, her true love was her family. She was so proud of James, her children, and their accomplishments. Kateri graduated from Boston College, Marika from Northeastern University, and Holt will graduate from Boston College in a few short weeks.
We will certainly miss Raphael’s enthusiasm, intellect, calm demeanor, and sense of humor. Simply put, she cared deeply for Carrollton, our students, faculty and staff, and our shared mission. Soon, we will gather to honor the life and legacy of Raphael, an example of wisdom, compassion, and leadership. We will share those details at a later date.
With heavy hearts and sincere gratitude, we reflect on her lasting impact on our community and beyond. As we navigate this profound loss, let us hold James, Kateri, Marika, Holt, and the entire Bastian/Boink family in our thoughts and prayers, offering them comfort and strength during this difficult time. May they find peace in the knowledge that Raphael is resting in the loving arms of Christ.
Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world.
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat