Irene Batchelor

Irene Batchelor (nee Gibbs), 90, passed away at East End Hospice with her loving family surrounding her on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Irene was born on June 4, 1933 in Guildford, England to her parents Reginald and Doris Gibbs. Irene met her future husband Ken at Technology College in England, and they were married in 1954. The young couple emigrated to the United States in 1967 with their three daughters; and they eventually settled in Port Jefferson, New York.

Irene worked at Mount Sinai Congregational Church as the secretary for many years and was an active member within the church community as well as the United Church of Christ national conference. She served as a mentor for youth members, as chairperson of a ministerial search committee, a faithful member of the choir, and in various volunteer capacities for church events. Her social justice and environmental advocacy found her actively involved in hunger relief, the right to affordable housing, social equality, peace protests, as well as support for many environmental conservation organizations.

Irene was a mother and grandmother first and foremost to her immediate family, but she was also known as “mum” or “nanny” to an extended family of friends. She was a trusted confidant who was always kind, supportive, and generous with her love and affection. She embodied acceptance of all people, no matter their background or life choices and passed that on to her family. Irene was also an accomplished table tennis player with a wicked serve and loved to play Scrabble with her circle of friends. Irene will be remembered for her wicked sense of humor and ready smile, as well as her love of animals and the outdoors.

Irene is predeceased by her husband Ken, but is survived by her three daughters, Lynne Warkentien of Maine, Susan Wells (Allan), and Wendy Sinniger (Scott) of New York. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Sarah Weatherley (Nicholas) of Connecticut, Rachel Cuff (Tom) of North Carolina, Geoffrey Wells (Bianca) of New York, and Amy Innes (Erik) of New York; and three great-granddaughters. Irene leaves behind a dear brother, Peter Gibbs of Guildford, England.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held in Mt. Sinai, NY in June 2024 with details to follow. The family will also be participating in an East End Hospice Tree of Lights Memorial Service on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 at the Cutchogue Village Green, Main Road (Route 25) in Cutchogue at 2:30 pm where Irene will be remembered with a name reading. All are welcome to join the local family at this event. Her daughters ask that donations in Irene’s memory be made to East End Hospice, Westhampton Beach, New York or to the Alzheimer’s Association through the links below.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Miller Place, New York. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting: Irene Batchelor Obituary - Miller Place, NY.