Blanche BATSTONE

Carleton Place, ON; Ottawa, ON; Gander, NL; Cartwright, NL. Blanche Luella Batstone (nee Pardy), passed peacefully just before her 97th birthday. Blanche is pre-deceased by Donald Batstone, her devoted husband of 64 years. During her last few days, her children were able to surround her with their love. Blanche was born in Cartwright Labrador, daughter of Manual Pardy (Eagle River, Lab.; Sgt., Royal Nfld. Regiment) and Mae McNeil (Island Harbour, Lab). She is pre-deceased by brothers Manual, Thomas, Leslie, and sister Muriel (Way) and survived by sister Olive (Hardy). As a child, Blanche loved school, reading, piano, sports, animals, and the family's summer home in Muddy Bay. She was vibrant and aspired 'just to do well'. She graduated from the Grenfell School in St. Anthony, NL and then St. Bernard's Secretarial College in Antigonish, NS. She was a medical secretary in Ottawa before returning to work at the air base in Gander. There she met Donald, and they wed in 1955. In 1961, Don's job with Transport Canada brought them and their young family to Ottawa. After years at home raising their kids, which was her favourite job, she eventually returned to secretarial work at Statistics Canada. They retired to Carleton Place, ON in 1987 to be closer to their cottage at White Lake. Blanche will be deeply missed by her son Bruce (Daphne Butt) and granddaughters Leah and Madeleine (NS); son Dean (Lisa Giffin) and granddaughter Erin Batstone (ON); daughter Sandra Sheedy (nee Batstone) (Andrew Sheedy) and grandsons Jordan and Christopher Sheedy (ON), and by her extended Hardy, Pardy and Way families. We will all cherish her unwavering love and devotion to family near and far. All who knew her experienced her kind yet firm influence, her core values of manners, hard work, remaining optimistic, following your heart, and putting family first. She loved nature, lively conversation, expressed her love of words with wit and humour and always took time to enjoy the quiet moments. Blanche was a gift and inspiration to those who knew her...even beyond the power of her renowned chocolate chip cookies. The family would like to recognize the medical staff at Carleton Place Hospital who gently cared for her. Special thanks to Dr. Janice Gray, Mom's trusted Doctor of many years, who, with love and compassion, helped her and her family through the final days. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the dedicated, caring staff at Carleton Place Terrace who embraced our family and who lovingly cared for both our Mom and Dad. The family will celebrate Blanche's long and happy life privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Carleton Place Hospital, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home.
"I've got a good mother and her voice is what keeps me here: feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, be yourself ......"
Jann Arden
www.barkefh.com