Obituary
MAGGIE SARAH ELIZABETH (SKINNER) BATTISTE
April 25, 1937 - June 07, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Maggie Battiste announces her peaceful passing at the Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Health Centre with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the age of 80 years. Maggie was born in Cul de Sac, NL, and was the daughter of the late Abraham and Esther (Durnford) Skinner. She came to Port aux Basques at age 13 to work as a serving girl for the Savoury family. She married at age 16, had nine children and was a stay at home mom for many years. She ran her home with the efficiency of a general. She always could find another meal to feed someone and all was welcome in her home, whether for a quick visit or to stay. Our father knew who was in charge and would defer to her in most instances. Maggie was involved in a lot of activities prior to recent health issues. She played darts and enjoyed her bowling league. She loved her bingo and wouldn't miss a good game of cards. She was a Legion Auxillary member and was secretary/treasurer up until they folded. She was a member of the LeGrow Hospital Auxillary. Her children often commented that she had a better social life than them. She went to work outside the home around the time her husband was put off work due to disability. She worked at the Donut Shop until it closed. She then worked in the Minor Hockey Canteen until age 74. In her spare time she baked for Coffin's Store and from time to time for C & G Variety. She instilled in her children the importance of working and self-sufficiency. Throughout her life, Maggie never forgot where she came from and she was very proud of her Durnford and Skinner heritage. She loved all her family and her extended family. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her daughters, Barbara Mesa, Elaine (Bob) Fraser, Julia (Robin) Ingram & Kimberly Battiste, and sons, Paul, Guy (Paula) and Michael (Amanda) Battiste, daughters in law, Ethel Battiste, Ruby Battiste and Crystal Kerfont-Battiste, grandchildren: Tammy (Derek) Farrell, Troy (Mandy) Battiste, Jennifer Fraser, Erica Ingram, Victoria Brushett, Deon Mesa, Robert Fraser, Richard Mesa, Nicholas Ingram, Megan Battiste, Chase Battiste, Chance Battiste, Andrew Battiste, and Katie Marie Battiste, and nine great-grandchildren, brothers: Fredrick (Pauline) Skinner, Samuel (Sharon) Skinner, sisters: Eva Dollimount, twin sister Theresa Francis, sisters in law: Mary Skinner, Florence Skinner, Regis Battiste, Barbara Neil, Daphne Battiste, those she considered family: Kathleen Critchell and Dorothy Osmond. Many, many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Maggie was predeceased by her husband, Gerald N. Battiste in 1998, sons, Sidney, 2007 and Bruce, 2008, brothers; Melvin, George and Roy Skinner and Henry Durnford and sister, Myrtle MacDonald, brothers in law: Clarence Francis, William Dollimount, Jack MacDonald, Lou Arsenault, Gerald Bobbett, Willard, Joseph, Lendy, Sidney, James, Jack and Frank Battiste, sisters in law, Jessie Skinner, Elizabeth Battiste, Mary Battiste, Annie Bobbett, Eileen Arsenault and Emily Durnford. The family received family and friends at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Port aux Basques on Friday and Saturday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service took place on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 2 p.m from St. James Anglican Church with Rev. Marlene Harvey officiating. In keeping with Maggie’s wishes cremation followed. Donations in memory of Maggie can be made to charity of one’s choice or flowers graciously accepted. Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.fillatre.ca