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Passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 22nd, 2016 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husband Dr. William Bateman. Honoured, loving mother of Dr. William Aird Bateman (Renee Pilote) and Ellen Aird Bateman (Dr. Douglas Hemphill). Cherished grandmother of Samuel, William and Nellianne. Nell is predeceased by her parents John and Lillian Aird (nee Mundell), and her siblings Helen Baillie, Margaret “Peggy” Howard, and John “Jock” Aird. She will be sadly missed by many family and as a favourite aunt to her nieces and nephews. Nell made many life-long friends when she lived and studied in New York at Columbia University and at The University of Toronto. She was a pioneer in becoming and practising as one of Canada’s first Registered Art Therapists. She spent as much time as she possibly could at Pointe au Baril; she felt it was ’paradise’. In her later years Nell was embraced by many in the Midhurst and Barrie communities, and will be very much missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St, Barrie, on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, with service taking place on Thursday January 5th at 11 am in the Chapel. Following the service, guests are invited to remain for a reception luncheon in the Lounge. The family would like to take this opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Paige Steciuk and Dr. David Boushy, as well as to the wonderful staff at Amica, RVH and CCAC for their compassionate care of Nell. In lieu of flowers, donations to the OSPCA would be greatly appreciated by the family.




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