Obituary of Elvira Batten

Elvira (Lynk) Batten Glace Bay Shirley Elvira Lynk was born on the 4th of July, 1934. She liked to joke that millions celebrated her birthday with fireworks and parades. Her father nicknamed her "Wildfire". She was just sixteen when she met her first and only love, Naish Batten. For seventy years they were best friends. In the early hours of September 16th she peacefully passed at home with her soulmate at her side. During their courtship they were often separated while Naish played hockey throughout the Maritimes, but their love for each other never waned. They married in 1954 and bought a house on Brookside Street near where Elvira grew up. In tenth grade when asked what she wanted to be, Elvira answered, "a wife and mother". She excelled at both. She filled their home with love. She was always her husband’s biggest cheerleader and her children’s staunchest supporter. She was a woman of strong conviction and opinion but very slow to anger. She seldom raised her voice. Her children do not remember their parents having any serious arguments. As a young couple they suffered the tragic loss of their first born son. Their shared grief only served to strengthen their marriage and commitment to each other. They shared a love for local hockey. As a young woman Elvira was always present to cheer for her husband and the Glace Bay Miners. In recent years, they could be found at every Eagles game in their seats overlooking the red line. Elvira loved to explore new places and, with her daughter Andrea, travelled to China, Morocco and various European destinations. She was constantly searching for the best supplement to improve her health or the best skin cream to maintain her youthful glow. Even during her final illness she was often complimented on her beautiful complexion. People were always surprised to learn how old she was. She spent hours on the computer doing crossword puzzles and brain teasers to improve her mind. She was a great cook and baker and kept her husband’s sweet tooth well fed. Elvira was a woman of faith who never doubted the existence of God and heaven and who believed fervently in the power of prayer. She was also curious and receptive to other theologies that embraced ideas like reincarnation. She wondered about all things spiritual whether they be ghosts or angels. Hundreds of angel decorations adorned her tree every Christmas. Elvira was one of the founding members of Newsom United Church. Up until the church closed in March due to COVID, Elvira and Naish counted the collection every Sunday. Elvira also coordinated receptions at the church so it is ironic that COVID restrictions prevent the congregation from hosting one for Elvira. She was a gracious hostess.The past two years she welcomed international students from India to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family. Elvira loved to bargain shop and spent countless hours shopping with her two best friends, her daughter Andrea and her friend Erma MacAulay. Erma was like a sister to Elvira and is a second mother to Andrea. Erma was holding her hand when Elvira died. Elvira always tried to make birthdays and holidays special for her children and grandchildren. Even last Christmas she made sure everyone had wrapped surprises to open and homemade oatcakes and candy to enjoy. She would spend months gathering items for the annual parcels to the West Coast. Over the past few years Elvira knew there was something wrong. She was searching for answers as to why she felt so badly. Nevertheless, her sudden decline in March came as a surprise. Coinciding as it did with COVID restrictions on medical care, she suffered in isolation at home until she was admitted to hospital on May 1st. Despite her weakening condition and increasing pain she never surrendered her will to live or her hope for a cure. She bravely endured the bumpy ambulance drives to the Regional Hospital, the feeding tube, the various tests and procedures and consultations. For three months doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with her. Finally an MRI delivered the verdict. Elvira was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and incurable neurological disorder. In retrospect, the signs and symptoms were there but due to her age and other underlying medical issues no one suspected this rare condition to be the cause of her deteriorating health. Despite being told there was no cure, Elvira looked forward to going home and being able to go outside and enjoy the sunshine on her face. She was grateful for every day she lived. She accepted her fate with courage and dignity and without complaint. She worried not about herself but the family she was leaving behind. She wanted her children and grandchildren to know that she loved them with all her heart. They want her to know they are okay because she loved and nurtured them so well. When it was determined nothing more could be done for Elvira, Naish brought his bride home to the house they had bought as newlyweds. With the help of his daughter, he lovingly cared for her until the end. They were able to share ice cream cones on the patio and a drive to the beach. Elvira was able to visit with her brothers and nieces and enjoy the love and support of her family COVID restrictions had denied her. Elvira is survived by her husband Naish Batten, her daughter Andrea, her son Darryl (Wendy), Riverside, California and grandchildren Liam (Nadia), Burnaby, BC; Rylan (Leslie), Levi and Charlie in California. Also surviving are her brothers Bob (Helen) and AC (Dawn), all of Glace Bay. Elvira was predeceased by her son Dwayne (aka Toby), her parents Andrew and Mamie Lynk; her parent’s in-law, Isaac and Catherine Batten; her brother, Aubrey, in childhood; brother and sister-in-law Art and Chris Lynk; her sisters and brothers-in-law Greta and Horace Feldman and Marion and Bob Weldon. The family would like to thank all Physicians at the Glace Bay General Hospital who cared for our wife and mother, including our family physician, James MacLean. We are forever grateful to the nursing staff on 3 West who treated her with kindness and compassion. We thank the hospital administration for the visiting privileges we enjoyed. Being able to spend the time we did with Elvira was a blessing in all our lives. The care, concern and support we were shown by the VON nurses during their daily visits eased our burden. We are forever indebted to the nurses and Physicians at Palliative Care who allowed us to bring Elvira home. Their support and compassion will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. (902) 849-4199. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday September 22,at 2 p.m. at Newsom United Church, Dominion Street with Elvira's nephew, Rev. Eric Lynk, officiating, Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Newsom United Church, Palliative Care, the VON or a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.