- Date Of Birth: July 1, 1924
- Date Of Death: February 18, 2011
- State: Indiana
Sister Maria Carmencita c.s.c.Bateman, 86, died at 4:15 a.m. on Friday, February 18, in Saint John’s Hospital, Anderson, Indiana.
She was born July 1, 1924 in Danville, Illinois. Sister Maria Carmencita died after a short stay at St. John’s Medical Center where she received loving and excellent medical care from the hospital staff. She was well supported by the sisters and all the hospital staff at Saint John’s, where she had ministered with such joy and energy since 1980. Sister’s professional life took numerous turns over her 65 years of active ministry. She taught in the elementary schools before moving to the administrative level in the diocesan office in Gary, Indiana. There she used her library science degree as a supervisor before being appointed as assistant superintendent in 1972.
She then gracefully bridged the gap from education to hospital ministry, where she served the people and staff of Saint John’s Health System for 31 years. At a petite 5 feet, Sister Maria Carmencita would seem to have had little impact, but her zeal and dedication made her a giant of activity and influence. She had a profound respect for all persons. In her sight, they were all “children of God”. Sister was a loyal and trustworthy friend with an empathic ear, a quality that endeared her to all. Her reserved manner somewhat masked her delightful sense of humor which often disarmed a tense situation.
Family was important to Sister Maria Carmencita, and she was very close to the members of her own family and to those in her family of Holy Cross. Survivors include her sister, Henrietta Grubbs and brother, Gaines Gregory Bateman, and many nieces and nephews and their extended families. She encircled them all with her love and prayers of support and from her own deep spirituality where she drew comfort and strength. She now rests in the arms of her Lord and in the minds and hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in peace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Ruth Conley Bateman, several brothers and sisters.
