MARY BATEMAN

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I met Mary through the Bateman family in 1999 when she sprained her ankle and required physiotherapy. She became a much appreciated loyal client over the years and was always so grateful for the help she received. I remember that Mary was one of the first to use email to book an appointment time. My condolences to all the family, I know how much she loved you all. - Posted by: Andrea Brown (Physiotherapist) on: Apr 15, 2016

• Mary was a volunteer for Creative Retirement Manitoba and friend. Below is a story written by Mary that appeared in a newsletter a bout how she met her husband Len. Creative Retirement Takes on Role of Cupid A Love Story . . . and More By Mary Bateman It was the spring of 1997, almost a year since my husband's passing. I still had trouble focusing on anything; however I had to start somewhere to get on with my life. I had previously typed up 150 pages of my autobiography on my laptop word processor and decided to purchase a "real computer" and get back to it. While I was checking with the various computer schools, a course outline from some place called Creative Retirement found its way into my mail box. (It was actually addressed to another person in the apartment building where I lived.) Curiosity got the best of me and I opened it. I discovered that this place was offering computer courses at affordable prices and decided to look into this. I had given our car to my daughter because I hadn't driven for more than twenty-five years and had to resort to using Winnipeg Transit to get to and from the West End Senior Centre where classes were being held. The bus ride was a long and tedious one, but I had more time than I knew what to do with, and I really was determined to master the computer. Our class was comprised of approximately ten women and six men. After class one day, as I waited for my bus at the bus stop, a car pulled up and the driver rolled down his window and motioned for me to get in. I thought, "Who does he think he is? Who does he think I am?" I waved him on. After the next class, one of the men in our class came up to me and said, "I don't want to embarrass you at the bus stop again, but I'm going downtown and I'd be happy to give you a ride." I realized that this was the "pickup" man. "I'm sorry," I said, "I didn't recognize you. I know the back of your head in class, but didn't recognize you away from this setting." He was so tall, over six feet, a foot taller than I. But what difference did that make? It was only a car ride downtown. Well, during this ride, I learned that he had lost his wife of over fifty years just four months ago. I told him I had lost my husband of over forty years almost a year ago. He introduced himself and I did likewise. "Len Bateman?" I questioned. "Why does that name sound familiar? Did you ever work for the Manitoba Government?" I had worked for the government many years ago. "No," he said, "I was with Manitoba Hydro." "Of course," I said, "I do remember that name in connection with Hydro. My husband worked there." And he dropped me off downtown where I got my connecting bus. Following the next class, this kindly gentleman came up to me again, saying, "I'm going the same way today." I went along again. This time, he asked where it was exactly that I lived. I said, "On Cambridge in River Heights." "That's close to where I live," he said, "I'm not going directly home today; however, next week, I can take you right to your home." And that's exactly what happened. After the last class of the spring session, we stopped for a cup of coffee and when Len dropped me at my apartment building, I asked if he was going to take more classes in the fall, and when he said he was, I said, "Then I'll see you in the fall." He stuttered and replied, "There's going to be another class during the summer. Would you be interested in going?" And we did. Before we knew it, we found we were becoming more interested in each other than in computers. We planned a June, 1998 wedding. In the meantime, I had learned that Len suffered with a food allergy - an allergy so severe that an attack could be life-threatening. Well, I purchased a "real computer" and began researching allergies on the internet. As a result of extensive research and a process of elimination, Len is now symptom free. There is a moral to this story. "If you become a member of Creative Retirement, you can not only be lucky enough to find a cure for what ails you, but you might be lucky enough to find a wonderful husband (or wife)." - Posted by: Richard Denesiuk (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2016

• Dear Len, Donna, Joyce, and family, Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mary. I remember meeting her at St. Peter's Church, shortly after my family moved to that parish, not long after she did! I also had the good fortune to see her when she and Len moved into the same building and floor as my parents! She was a beautiful caring person, who always had a warm smile and a kind word to share. She will be missed! Wishing you all peace, and remembering Mary and all of you in my thoughts and prayers, Sincerely, Miriam Duff - Posted by: Miriam Duff (friend of family) on: Apr 10, 2016

• We are away in Boulder, Co at our daughter's and just received the news that Mary had passed away. We are very saddened by this news as we last saw Mary in Sept when we visited Winnipeg and had a lovely evening out with them at the Manitoba Club. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend the memorial service on the 11th as we will still be away. We have shared so many happy times with both Len and Mary over the years and we enjoyed it when they graced our dinner table many times on their visits to the West Coast - such a joy to be in their company. We will miss her caring ways, her sense of humor and her friendship. Our hearts and prayers go out to Len and all the family at this most difficult time and we send our love and heartfelt sympathy. Love, Ray & Di - Posted by: Ray and Di Van Raes (Cousin to Len) on: Apr 10, 2016