Frances Occhipinti Batson

BATSON Frances Occhipinti Batson, age 88, died on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born in New Orleans, LA on July 8 1920, the eldest daughter of Santa Larocca and Giovanni Occhipinti, both natives of Camporeale, Sicily. She attended McMain High School, and graduated from Newcomb College with honors in Chemistry. She worked during WW II as a chemist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Laboratory where she met and married Dr. Davis Monroe Batson, her husband of 59 years. The family lived in New Orleans, Bethesda, Md., Baton Rouge where she founded a real estate brokerage , and later in Falls Church, Va. They moved back to New Orleans in 1988 to be closer to family and friends. Frances was active in the Krewe of Louisianians and participated in the Washington DC Mardi Gras Ball for over 25 years. She was a renowned cook and hostess, and in 1997 published a book of family recipes, My Cookbook of Immeasurable Pleasures. Frances is survived by four children, Robert C. Batson MD and his wife Susan McSherry MD of New Orleans, Patricia L. Batson of New Orleans, Ronald M. Batson MD of Durham NC, and Russell B. Batson of Washington DC; a grandson, Evan D. Batson of Boston, a step-grandson Eric C. Revels, his wife Stephanie, and two step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by three siblings, Anthony R. "Kaye" Occhipinti, Frank Occhipinti and his wife Patsy, and Gerry O. Burkhardt, all of this city. She will be missed by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins who remained close to her and whose visits she cherished. She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son Richard Allen Batson, a brother Roy F. Occhipinti, and her best friend and beloved sister-in-law Gloria Wimberly (Anthony) Occhipinti. Frances was a kind and gentle soul who always found something special in everyone who was fortunate to have know her. She was most proud of her children and their accomplishments. She often said that her only sister, Gerry, was "the best sister in the world." Her children will forever be indebted to their Aunt Gerry for the years of care and undying devotion to their mother. Her cousin and godchild, Lee Gaudiano, was a loyal and dedicated friend. Additional thanks to her caregivers, Betty Magee and Betty Harris. Following a private family memorial service, she will be interred in Metairie Cemetery. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.