DORCAS MAY BATEMAN (MCMAIN)

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DORCAS MAY BATEMAN (nee MCMAIN) April 12, 1922 - June 16, 2012 Dorcas May Bateman passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg after an interesting life spanning more than 90 years. She was born in Summerberry, Saskatchewan to James Edwin McMain and Nellie May McMain. Her father died in the midst of the Depression, leaving Dorcas and her four brothers (Edwin, Lawrence, Douglas and David) to become adults much too early. Despite the hardships of those years, she held many fond memories of life on the farm that she loved to share. Dorcas graduated from the St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing in 1944. In 1960, she changed course and enjoyed teaching in Brandon elementary and junior schools. Her energy and enthusiasm for challenge led her, at age 45, to a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandon University. Despite an always busy professional life, Dorcas found time for her favourite hobbies: she was an avid flower and vegetable gardener and a voracious reader. In later life, she discovered a creative talent for painting that ultimately lasted some 20 years, during which she mastered many forms of art media. Her family and friends cherish the many works of art she leaves us. Dorcas married Cecil Murray Bateman in 1947 and they shared and enjoyed 54 years together. Dorcas and Cec left Brandon and relocated to the Waverley in Winnipeg in 1998. Dorcas' later years were hard on her: she lost her vision in 1998, her loving and devoted husband Cecil in 2002, and her beloved daughter Donna in 2006. These events brought an end to the hard-driving life she had previously enjoyed so much. She spent her last six years interacting lightly with the world, as someone with Alzheimer's disease can only do. Dorcas is survived by her son Timothy and wife Jan (Kansas City), granddaughters Rachel Bateman (Kansas City) and Hayley Rutledge (Winnipeg), and grandsons Kyle Bateman (Washington, DC) and David Rutledge (Prince Albert, SK). Mom would want us to thank the incredibly caring staff of Tower 3 and Lodge 7 West at Deer Lodge Centre, as well as Jo-Ann Artibise and Bruce Stemken for their special companionship. Because of them, Mom's final chapter was filled with warmth, support, tons of hugs, and lots of laughter. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Dorcas' memory to the Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. A family memorial service will take place at a later date. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2012