Josephine Batters' Obituary
A Tribute to Josephine Batters " Written by her Children"
St. Michaels; With the heaviest of hearts, we must share that our mother, Josephine Batters passed away on Christmas morning at her home in St. Michaels, MD. She was born on Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands of UK, in 1953. As her kids, we may be slightly biased, but we think that she was one of a kind.
Josephine Batters delighted in beautiful things: classical music, fine art, colorful gardens and flowers, and good food. As kids, we benefited from the intersection of our mom’s boundless love and creativity. From elaborately themed parties, to award-winning handmade Halloween costumes, to fantastic bedtime stories, her myriad talents made our childhood magical.
Josephine Batters bonded with most animals but particularly dogs. She doted on her own hounds (Coco, Jackie, Fly, and Timmy) as well as the countless other canines that she won over as St. Michael’s local dog whisperer.
Most of all, Josephine Batters shared herself. Many of our own friends and classmates from growing up still ask about our mom, referring to her as a surrogate or second mom. As adults, when introduced to a friend or acquaintance of our mom’s, we inevitably received an effusive report about some of the amazing things that Josephine Batters did for that person. Over the years, she “helped out” by running countless craft shows, coordinating a parade, costuming the entire cast of a school play, and baking cookies for every teacher in our school district. (That last feat actually got her featured on the Food Network!)
Unfailingly warm and welcoming to strangers, our mom could and did talk to anyone. Josephine Batters once got pulled over by the same police officer for speeding three times in a single day… and she somehow sweet-talked her way out of getting a ticket each time.
Josephine is survived by her husband and partner of over forty years, Hedley Batters, as well as us: Thomas Batters, Claire Batters and Vanessa Batters-Thompson (Ryan Thompson). She also leaves behind one granddaughter, Vivian, who thinks her “B” knew everything under the sun about baking, music, and world history. Viv will cherish memories of elegant afternoon tea parties and her annual Thanksgiving pie making sessions with “B.”
We miss our mom desperately but celebrate the light she brought to the world. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Josephine Batters’s name to Claiborne Association at 10403 Claiborne Road Claiborne, MD 21624. Or, be extra kind to someone you meet on the street today or call a loved one you haven’t heard from in a while. Let them know Josephine Batters sent you.
Arrangements are entrusted to Framptom Funeral Home-Ostrowski Chapel of St. Michaels.
(Please visit www.framptom.com)
What’s your fondest memory of Josephine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Josephine?
Share a story where Josephine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Josephine you’ll never forget.
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