Obituary of Jean Anne Battist

BATTIST, Jean A. Waterside Jean Anne Battist, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou on September 25, 2024. She was born on February 1, 1927 to the late Findlay and Ruby (Campbell) MacKenzie of Carriboo Island. She graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro teaching at Carriboo Island, Loch Broom and many years in Pictou, retiring from Patterson Elementary School, Pictou in 1987. She will be remembered by so many students as “my favorite teacher ever”. Her empathy and compassion shone thru. She married Raymond Battist of Sunridge on December 24, 1949. She is survived by her daughters, Kay Langille, Pictou Island and Elizabeth Battist, Waterside. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jenn Langille (Rob Boudreau), Pictou Island; Ryan Langille (Jessica Dunphy); and great-grandson, Foster, Haliburton; Matthew Hughes, Red Deer, Alberta; Michael Hughes and great-granddaughter, Lena of Waterside; sister in-law, Lily Ruiz MacKenzie, Mexico; Vera Lambert. London, Ontario; many nieces and nephews. After retiring she spent many winters vacationing in Florida with great friends, Mabel Heighton, Elaine Jay and Almira Murdock. You could find her most weekends at an old-time dance somewhere in the county. You also could find her in the yard maintaining her meticulous property of 57 years in Waterside, you wouldn’t find a dandelion on her lawn because she picked them daily. She had a green thumb, she could make anything grow. She was a very kind, generous person, always willing to help everyone. She faced many major health issues over the years and we felt she was invincible. We were all inspired by her resilience. She will always be remembered for her quick wit and warm smile. She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond; her son, Raymond ‘Plum’; her brothers, Everett and Roland MacKenzie; her son-in law, Fred Langille; sister-in-laws, Doris (Cameron) Widen, Audrey (Neil) Christie, Mabel MacKenzie, Dorothy Cahoon; her brother-in-law, Alvin (Lillian) Battist and her beloved friend, Bob Miller. The family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers that allowed her to stay in her own home until last November, the staff of Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, her home for three months and lastly the wonderful staff at Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou, your professionalism and compassion went above and beyond. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1-3 PM at McLaren Funeral Home. Graveside service will take place 2 PM Monday at Waterside Cemetery with Jacquie Ross officiating Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to NS Heart & Stroke, Waterside Cemetery or a charity of your choice.