Sister Simone Batte, CSJ

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada is saddened to announce the death of Sister Simone Batte at home in the Care Centre at 485 Windermere Road on October 10, 2026.

Florence Leona was born on November 7, 1932, in Walkerton, Ontario. She is lovingly remembered by her CSJ Sisters and by her siblings: Renee Milos, Bill Batte, Ruthe Cleary, Yvonne Parsons, Wayne Batte, Judy (Bob) McCoubrey, Angela Jansen, Joseph (Marg) Batte, David (Marlene) Batte, Valarie Grady, Stephen Batte, and her sister-in-law Jean, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she touched. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Anne (Doyle) Batte; her sisters, Joanne Becker, Marlene Christie, Dianne Cotter; her brothers, Bradley and Kenneth Batte; and her brothers-in-law, Jim Becker, Frank Milos, Robert Christie, Daniel Cleary, Leo Tremblay and Bernie Cotter. 

Florence worked as a secretary at the Royal Bank of Canada in Calgary, General Motors in Detroit, and Labatt’s in London before entering the congregation on February 2, 1960, when she was given the name Sister Simone. Sister Simone continued in administrative roles at St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Sarnia and Chatham and at Mount St. Joseph Academy in London. In 1972, she moved into pastoral care at St. Pius X Parish in London and Holy Rosary Parish in Windsor, where her presence was a source of comfort and encouragement. In 1981, Sister Simone began chaplaincy ministry at University Hospital, serving in the Heart/Lung Transplant and Cardiac Care units. There, she accompanied patients, families, and staff through moments of hope, uncertainty, and sorrow. She often described those years as the most life-giving of her ministry—and among the best of her life. In retirement, Sister Simone served as a pastoral visitor at St. Michael’s Parish and St. Mary’s Hospital in London, offering a prayerful presence and support. A lover of the arts, she was a member of the Grand Theatre Ushers’ Club and an alumna of the Earle Terry Singers. A devoted gardener, Sister Simone revered the earth as sacred. In her later years, she found her deepest peace among growing things, tending “her meadow” with loving care. It was there, close to creation, that her spirit felt most at home—and it is there that her spirit continues to dwell, gently reminding us of God’s presence in all living things.

All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road, London. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., and from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London, at a later date. Livestream Link: www.csjcanada.org/funeralsbatte Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Simone Batte may be made at www.csjcanada.org

O'Neil Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.oneilfuneralhome.ca