In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Bettina, CSC
(Alice Elizabeth Batchelder)
Birth: November 12, 1919
Profession: February 2, 1944
Death: May 16, 2007

This afternoon we gather to celebrate the life and memory of Sister Bettina, Alice Elizabeth Batchelder. She was born in Washington, D.C., November 12, 1919, to Gertrude Barron and Edward Davis Batchelder and was the third of four children. Charles, the youngest, is the sole surviving sibling.

Bettina received her elementary education at St. Gabriel’s in Washington, D.C., and her high school education at the Academy of Holy Cross, then located in the District of Columbia. She went to Dunbarton College where she excelled in academics and activities and graduated magna cum laude. Her master’s degrees in English and counseling were from Catholic University.

After graduating from Dunbarton in 1941, Bettina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. She received the habit in 1942, made first profession in 1944 and final profession in 1947. Early in her religious life she was recognized as a gifted person and a leader. She was asked to do many things as a professor of English in our colleges—being a member of the regional administration, dean of students at Dunbarton and all the activities that went with that position. She always accepted what she was asked to do with a gracious spirit and a willingness to give it her best.

The only ministry that caused her personal grief was her year as assistant to the director of novices. Stories of this year abound.

Bettina’s hallmark was her smile and, as she said, she was placed in her mother’s arms with a smile. This smile was contagious and was given to all in her quiet, refined manner. Mixed in with the smiles was her gift of tears, but her tears always turned to smiles because of her deep faith in accepting decisions that were made.

Her friends said that Bettina was a good listener, compassionate, prayerful, refined, “queen of the show” at Dunbarton, a beautiful person. Bettina loved the outdoors since God’s beauty gave her peace and allowed her to be in her favorite contemplative mood. From an early age she had an aversion to noise and crowds. She preferred symphonic music and quiet one-on-one conversation. We cannot forget her love of animals.

Bettina suffered greatly these past few years, as she could not comprehend why she was here. At times she became agitated, but her sense of being a member of the household of God always brought her back to peaceful acceptance.

Thank you, Bettina, for your life, your smiles and your tears. In the early hours of Wednesday, May 16, Bettina met the God she loved and served, and is now at peace.

Written by Sister Thomas Anne Haugh, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.