With heavy hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of Connie Bateman on May 24, 2017.

Connie was the eleventh of fifteen children and was born October 26, 1941 in Pierceland, Sask to Jacob & Catherine Watchel. At an early age, she moved with her family from Pierceland to Baldonnel, BC and attended school in both Baldonnel and Fort St John. Connie worked briefly at the old Providence Hospital and in 1961, she married Robert Clayton and they lived in Alberta for several years with children, Terry and James. Her son Jonathan was born in Fort St John after her divorce, and in 1964, she married Norman Bateman. Together, they had three more children - Caron, Norman Jr (Babe) and Tatum. Connie & Norman farmed at the Bateman homestead near Benito, MB for twenty years before returning to Fort St John in 2009. She kept busy with home decorating, crocheting, gardening, playing cards, making crafts, antiquing, attending auction sales and growing vegetables for the farmer’s markets in Swan River where her produce and baking was always eagerly awaited. She excelled at playing Scrabble and doing crossword puzzles. Connie enjoyed reading, the occasional stiff drink and a good joke. She was a faithful wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a very dear sister and loyal friend, and her generous nature will be missed by many. Funeral service and interment were held May 29, 2017 in Fort St John.

Connie is survived by her husband, Norm. Daughters - Terry (Bob) & granddaughter Alexis (Chris); Caron (Mitchell) & grandchildren Morgan and Josh; Tatum (Aron). Sons - James (Terry) & granddaughters Caitlin & Alannah; Jon (Kris) & grandchildren Mandy, Tanya, Samantha & Nick; Babe (Betty) & grandchildren Jaimie & Ricky. Also left to mourn are 3 sisters - Dolores Clark, Barbara Pomeroy and Paddy(Richard) Calon and as well her brothers Hank, Elwood, Wallace & Jack. Numerous nieces & nephews.

Connie was predeceased by her parents Jacob & Catherine Watchel, brothers Bruce and Joe Watchel, and sisters Evelyn Gross, Ann MacKenzie, Rose Stacey, Marie Rosko and Arlette Strookoff.