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In memory of
Mrs. Lydia "Teacher Icema" Bastien
1954 - April 19, 2026
1954 - Apr 19, 2026
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Teacher Icema's Legacy Fund.
$125.00
total raised
Show your support:
Contribute
Background
So many of you, near and far, have reached out with love and have asked how you can show up during this time. For those who are unable to be here in person to celebrate her life, this space was created in response to your kindness. It is offered in the same spirit in which it was requested, with gratitude, and without expectation.
Lydia believed in people. She believed in showing up, in giving back, and in leaving things better than she found them. This fund is a continuation of that spirit.
Lydia called the Nature Isle home, and that island shaped who she was. She began her career there at the age of 20, stepping into a classroom and into the lives of young people who would come to know her affectionately as "Teacher Icema" a nickname she loved. That calling never left her. She carried it across the ocean and into the classrooms of New York City, where she worked with many students as their "Ms. B" before she finished her career as a District 75 teacher with NYC Public Schools at retirement.
In her honor, contributions to Teacher Icema’s Legacy Fund will support educational resources and opportunities for young people in the Bronx, NY and Dominica, ensuring that her love for her homeland and her belief in the next generation lives on in a tangible way.
Her estate is committed to stewarding these contributions thoughtfully, directing them toward creating open doors and brighter futures for young people.
Thank you for being part of her story. Contribute
Lydia believed in people. She believed in showing up, in giving back, and in leaving things better than she found them. This fund is a continuation of that spirit.
Lydia called the Nature Isle home, and that island shaped who she was. She began her career there at the age of 20, stepping into a classroom and into the lives of young people who would come to know her affectionately as "Teacher Icema" a nickname she loved. That calling never left her. She carried it across the ocean and into the classrooms of New York City, where she worked with many students as their "Ms. B" before she finished her career as a District 75 teacher with NYC Public Schools at retirement.
In her honor, contributions to Teacher Icema’s Legacy Fund will support educational resources and opportunities for young people in the Bronx, NY and Dominica, ensuring that her love for her homeland and her belief in the next generation lives on in a tangible way.
Her estate is committed to stewarding these contributions thoughtfully, directing them toward creating open doors and brighter futures for young people.
Thank you for being part of her story. Contribute
Funds are being collected and disbursed by Jay Bastien, Lydia's daughter.
Recent contributions
$50.00
April 20, 2026, 7:38 p.m. PDT
Anonymous
$50.00
April 20, 2026, 5:04 p.m. PDT
Anonymous
$25.00
April 20, 2026, 4:41 p.m. PDT
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Memories & condolences
She was part of the village who raised me in New York😩. I’m glad I got to visit her after moving to ATL.
She was part of the village who raised me in New York😩. I’m glad I got to visit her after moving to…
She was part of the village who raised me in New York😩. I’m glad…
I remember running through your home with Jaysma as a four/ five year old, thirty odd years ago! You were always smilin…
I remember running through your home with Jaysma as a four/ five year old, thirty odd years ago! Yo…
I remember running through your home with Jaysma as a four/ five…
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Teacher Icema's Legacy Fund.
$125.00
total raised
Show your support:
Contribute
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Created with love by
Jay Bastien (Lydia's daughter).
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