Sister Batten

Sister Thomas Batten, O.S.U., aka Flora (Florence) Catherine Batten, died peacefully at the Ursuline Queen of peace Healthcare Center in Alton, Illinois, on June 4, 2013.

The daughter of John William Batten and Anna Bell Zorn Batten, she was born on July 27, 1913, in Oak Park, Illinois. She was preceded in death by six brothers: William Cletus, Charles, George, Ray and Robert Batten and is survived by two sisters, Rosemary Batten Wilkin and Barbara Batten Ensalaco as well a number of nieces and nephews..

Sister Thomas was taught by the Ursuline Sisters at St. Joseph Parish Grade School in Downers Grove, Illinois, and after eighth grade boarded for high school at the Ursuline Academy in Springfield, Illinois. She entered the Ursuline Order in July of 1933 and made vows in July of 1936. She studied at Springfield Junior College in Illinois, Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Webster College in St. Louis. She has a very colorful record of ministry assignments from cooking to pastoral care, and she was an excellent primary teacher.  Her service took her to Kirkwood, Jennings, Arcadia and Crystal City, Missouri; Springfield, Decatur, Oak Park, and Alton, Illinois; and Frontenac, Minnesota.

She retired first at Loretto Center in Springfield, Illinois, and finally at Queen of Peace Healthcare Center in Alton, Illinois. She was a participant in the Southern Illinois University Alzheimer’s Research Program.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11:00 am, at the Ursuline Convent Chapel, 845 Danforth Street, Alton, Illinois. Visitation will precede this Mass beginning at 10:00 am. Reverend Jack Lau, O.M.I., will preside.

Memorials may be made to the Queen of Peace Healthcare Center, 845 Danforth Street, Alton, Illinois, 62002.

Staten-Fine Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.  

Online condolences and a guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com.

Obit Provided By:
Staten, Fine & Burke Funeral Home