Obituary of Joyce W. Bateman

Johanna Wilhelmina Aben was born December 21, 1924 in Lethbridge to Martin and Antonia Aben, the eldest of nine children. Being the eldest child she had to quit school and remain at home to help her mom through an illness. She later worked as a nanny and a housekeeper. She was working as a waitress in a Chinese restaurant in Claresholm when she met Harold Bateman. She and Harold were married April 15, 1944. Shortly after their marriage, Harold, who was in the Canadian Air Force was stationed for 17 months in England. During this time, Joyce resided with Joe and Ruby Bateman on their farm south of Alliance. While Harold was gone, their son Ed was born and he was at least 10 months old before he first met his dad. In 1947, they purchased the farm northeast of Alliance, where they resided until they moved into the Village of Alliance in 1966. After she and Harold moved into Alliance, Joyce worked part-time in the Alliance Post office from 1967 to 1980, at which time she became post mistress and worked full time until 1984. Joyce also played softball (on the Big 3 women’s team), was a Charter member and held many executive positions in the Alliance Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. She enjoyed the Alliance Fun For All Club and thoroughly enjoyed curling, watching curling on TV, reading and crocheting. She had completed afghans for every child, grandchild and great grandchild and then crocheted afghans for Ronald MacDonald House. Her yard and garden and greenhouse occupied her for many hours each day. In September of 2001, Joyce moved into Manor 2 in Castor, and then in 2009 she graduated to the Paintearth Lodge. She very much enjoyed her 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Joyce was predeceased by an infant son Brian; her husband Harold in 1991; her eldest son Ed in 2009. She leaves to mourn her daughter in law Nancy Bateman; her daughter Sheila (Pat) Gorcak; her son Bruce (Irene) Bateman and her grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many dear friends. Joyce will be remembered for her quiet manner and devotion to her family, her love of gardening, cooking for her family and curling. She will be dearly missed. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Alliance Community Hall, Alliance, Alberta. Memorial donations may be made to the Paintearth Lodge, Box 209, Castor, AB T0C 0X0 or to a charity of your own choice. Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and arrangements. 1-888-882-3141