Catherine Josephine Batten

Peacefully on May 17, 2024, Cathy Batten, passed away at the Grace Hospital with Caryn by her side, only 5 days after celebrating her 97th birthday with family and friends.

Cathy will be dearly missed by daughter, Caryn (Harald), grandchildren Hayden (Cass), Devon (Matt), great-grandchildren Cameron, Katryna and Charlie, Cousin Colin (Irene) and honorary “granddaughter” Clare. She also leaves many cousins and family members to remember her in England. Cathy was predeceased by her husband, Robert, son Gary, brother Ted and parents, Edward and Winnifred.

While her passing has left us with a hole in our hearts, knowing Mom lived a full, wonderful life and was always part of every event we celebrated has helped ease some of the heartache. Mom babysat her grandkids for many years, was a regular fixture at Hayden’s hockey games, Devon’s dance recitals and riding lessons, and attended every birthday party for her grandkids, loving every minute of it. Mom was an AVID rollercoaster fan and enjoyed Orlando several times; we took her to Disneyworld, Busch Gardens and Universal for her 75th and 80th birthdays. She made sure to ride all the rollercoasters and had a wonderful time! Cajoling Hayden (when she was 80) into riding his first rollercoaster by telling him “If I can do it, so can you!” He was officially hooked after that ride.

Mom always did everything on her terms, she was a true force of nature. She was a confidant, best friend, feisty, challenging, opinionated, loving, generous, and kind and couldn’t tell a joke to save her life!

During the last year of her life, Mom lived in The Waverley, a Seniors Independent Living Residence. While it was very difficult to leave her home of 60 years, it was necessary. Our sincere thanks to the staff – Vanessa O’Connor, Kat, Kirk, Danijela, Jennifer - who went above and beyond to make Mom feel seen, heard and valued during her time there. Many thanks to Kate from Homecare, who was so kind and generous with her time while visiting Mom. Our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Moltzan and her team Kelly and Margaret at St. Boniface CancerCare for your ongoing care and great sense of humour. Sincere thanks to Dr. George at the Grace Hospital for making an extremely difficult situation easier to navigate; your kindness is so appreciated. Many thanks to the Grace Hospital ER staff, Jin, Josiah, Kaylie, Jocelyn, Gagandeep and Maria (3-south) who treated Mom with dignity and respect.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Mom on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10am followed by a light lunch. Per Moms request, please wear bright, happy colours (no black or gray).

Flowers are gratefully declined, in keeping with Mom’s generous spirit, we would ask that you consider making a donation in memory of Mom to one of the following charities she supported.

Canadian Wildlife Federation

Jocelyn Hutton Foundation (Jocelyn House)

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada