Obituary of Joyce Battist
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It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joyce Battist, age 79, of Westville Road and Lyon’s Brook, wish to announce her passing on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Joyce slipped away quietly at home with her sister by her side.
Joyce was born in New Glasgow, NS on Dec. 25, 1943 to Gerald Hatch MacKay and Nora (Austin) MacKay.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cathy (David) Gunn, Calgary, AB; Shelly (Donald) MacLean, Hinton, AB; chosen sons, Ken (Peg) Wentzell, Halifax, NS; Stephen (Debbie) Crossman, Lyon’s Brook, NS; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Gunn, Kaylee (John) Gunn, Taylor MacLean, Jordan (Julian) Boisvert; great-grandchildren, Henry and Emery; sister, Audrey Gordon, Westville; brother, Ken MacKay, Saskatoon, SK; niece, Jaren Gordon; nephews, Todd Gordon and James MacKay.
Joyce was predeceased by both her parents and her husband of 59 years, Keith Battist
At the age of 26, Joyce was MOM to 4 “kids”. In addition to raising Cathy and Shelly, Joyce and Keith welcomed Ken and Steve (then teenagers) into the family and their home. It was a good decision as they are considered true family ever since.
Joyce held several positions at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow and later worked within the Provincial Justice System. She enjoyed her roles as court reporter and Justice of the Peace.
Always the entrepreneur, her greatest accomplishment was “bringing to life” the Pictou County Weekend Market at the Pictou Curling Club with her husband Keith and partner Jim MacMullin. The market soon turned into her full-time retirement job. Joyce and Keith wintered in Florida and spent their summers preparing and running the market in Nova Scotia. It was through the market that she was able to showcase her beautiful sewing and craft skills. She also made many long-lasting friendships.
She continued to be active in the community including sewing and donating 1000 masks during the pandemic.
In recent years, a highlight for her was travelling out west to visit her children and grandchildren. Her last visit was in September when she was able to visit Cathy and Shelly in Manitoba and Alberta.
Visitation will be from 3-4pm Saturday, Aug, 5 followed by a family service at McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carma Cat Rescue, New Glasgow chapter or the Pictou County Palliative Care Society.
