Jeanne Batchelor

Jeanne Sharlene Nadder Batchelor longtime resident of Narberth, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in her sleep on June 10, 2013 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Cheryl Batchelor, in Alexandria, Virginia. Jeanne was born in Yonkers, New York in 1922 to Samuel and Louise Nadder, who had emigrated from Persia early in the century. At 16, Jeanne joined her older sister, the late Rose Piroeff, on Avon Road in Narberth; and she was graduated from Lower Merion High School, Class of 1939. Jeanne joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1943 and worked as an assistant to the Regimental Information and Education Officer at Fort Benning, Georgia. Jeanne was in charge of the War Information Center, organizing orientation talks, updating maps, handling foreign language materials and tests. Jeanne also produced the soldier's Variety Show to boost the morale of deploying troops. Jeanne obtained the rank of Sergeant, separating in February 1946, and earning the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal , WAAC Service Ribbon. Returning from active duty, Jeanne married her high school classmate, the late U.S. Army Reserve First Lt. Calvin R. Batchelor, of Narberth. Jeanne and Cal built a family life in Narberth, first on Merwyn Road and then on Anthwyn Road, that extended across seven decades and through the raising of five sons, John, Kevin, Mark, Peter and Paul, all of whom were graduated from Lower Merion High School. Jeanne devoted her gifts to her family and her community, working for many years as a teacher's aide in the Lower Merion School District. Jeanne's sons remember her as a loving, vivid, courageous and tireless leader. John recalls Mother calling out "Supper! Do you hear me?" from the back steps on summer evenings. Kevin pictures Mother reminding the boys, "Your Father will be home soon, so you better behave." Mark remembers Mother, on many Christmas mornings, after the gifts were open, darting upstairs for more surprises from Santa that had been overlooked in the excitement. Jeanne is survived by her five sons and their spouses, Bonnie, Debbie, Lou Ann, Christine and Cheryl, as well as her beloved seven grandchildren, Kathryn, Justin, Samuel, Travis, Elizabeth, William and Anna, who called her, "Nana." Jeanne is also survived by her beloved niece, Sharline Fulton, with her children Lynne and Andrew. Jeanne's cremains will be interred beside her beloved husband Cal, at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.