Hope “Henri” (Bason) Firestone, 82, of West Hartford, died peacefully Saturday, May 31, 2025 with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife, for 61 years, of Daniel S. Firestone, CPA.
Born in Hartford and grew up in West Harford, she was the daughter of the late Judge Daniel Bason and his wife, Gertrude (Golden) Bason. She was a graduate of Conard High School in West Hartford and attended the State University of New York, SUNY and earned a BA in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. Early in her career, she co-owned and operated Pinewood Furniture in Canton, Ct.
Hope had a natural gift as an incredibly talented artist. At the age of 50, she received a master’s degree in art history, from the Central Connecticut State University. Hope proceeded to teach art at the college level as an adjunct professor. Hope was also a “firecracker” of energy as a residential sales agent and office manager at area offices including William Ravis Real Estate. She was a beautiful outgoing woman who would light up the room with her personality and she loved decorating. Hope and Daniel were members of the B’nai Tikvoh Sholom synagogue in Bloomfield for 20 years. Hope and Daniel shared many happy family times at their former summer home on Cape Cod and later enjoying the Ocean Beach area. Hope’s passion in art created many paintings of landscapes, nature and seascapes using watercolors.
Besides her husband, Daniel, she is survived by her two children: Andrew Firestone and his wife Alyssa (Lint) and Michelle Avers and her husband, Lawrence, five cherished grandchildren: Samuel and Jacob Avers, Benjamin, Rachel and Emily Firestone as well as 13 nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
She was predeceased by her sister, Irval Labb.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 4th at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, Rabbi Debra Cantor officiating. Interment will follow at the Beth Sholom Memorial Park, 68 Autumn St., Manchester. Following interment, the family will receive friends at Emanuel Synagogue June 4 from 2 until 4 p.m.
Donations in Hope’s memory may be made to a charity of donor’s choice. May her memory be a source of strength and a blessing. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, Inc., West Hartford.
