Jane (Frenette) Bateman

Jane Frenette Bateman, 95, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026.

Jane was known for her deep love of family, rock-solid Catholic faith, and razor-sharp wit. She lived a life rooted in devotion — to God, to her family, to friendship, and to finding joy in the everyday moments that make a life meaningful.

Born on April 26, 1931, in Potsdam, New York, Jane was the daughter of Marshall and Margaret Frenette. She and her twin sister, Jean, were the youngest of four daughters. She attended the College of St. Rose in Albany.

Jane married Walter Bateman on June 19, 1954, in Malone, New York. Together, Jane and Walt built a beautiful life and raised five children while following Walt’s career moves from Syracuse, NY, to Reading, PA, then to Manlius and Endwell, NY. In retirement, they enjoyed years in Myrtle Beach, SC before settling in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, at Brick Landing Plantation, where they formed lifelong friendships and embraced a vibrant community life centered around golf, bridge, faith, and family.

Jane quickly became a beloved presence within the Brick Landing community, serving as President of the Brick Landing Women’s Club in 1999. After Walter’s passing in 2002, Jane continued to thrive with characteristic independence and spirit. She remained active in book club, duplicate and social bridge, hosted a Small Faith Group, volunteered with Loaves and Fishes, and golfed regularly with the “Nine is Fine” group — proudly recording a hole-in-one in 2007.

In 1982 while still living in NY, Walt and Jane purchased an Adirondack camp on Chase Lake, just outside Walt’s childhood hometown of Lowville, New York. The camp soon became lovingly known as “Golden Pond” and quickly grew into far more than a summer getaway — it became the heart of countless family memories. For Walt and Jane, it was a peaceful weekly escape. On any given weekend, family and friends made their way to Chase Lake to enjoy the water, reconnect with nature, and simply be together. After Walt’s passing, Jane continued the tradition of welcoming everyone with warmth and hospitality. Her grandson Daniel spent many summers by her side, proudly making sure her stay was safe — and keeping watch for any potential bear encounters. To this day, “Golden Pond” remains a cherished cornerstone of the Bateman family, a place where laughter, love, card games, and generations of memories continue to live on.

Above all else, Jane was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose home was always filled with warmth, laughter, desserts, and spirited card games. Her birthday cakes, holiday candy, and legendary fudge became treasured family traditions. As her children married, she lovingly gave each family a recipe box. Though many tried, no one could ever quite recreate her recipes. The family long suspected she intentionally left out a secret ingredient or instruction — though it was more likely that Jane was simply an extraordinary baker.

Jane also passed down her fierce love of games, especially cards. Family gatherings inevitably turned into lively competitions, where everyone hoped to be Jane’s partner. She was a true card shark with a competitive streak always with a perfectly timed sarcastic remark or comeback. Equally memorable was her famous one-eyebrow-raised “look,” a silent expression capable of stopping children and grandchildren alike in their tracks. It became legendary within the family and remains impossible to forget.

One of Jane’s favorite expressions was, “Oh my Glory!” — a phrase that perfectly captured her spirit. To her family, it reflected her deep reverence, enduring strength, joyful humor, and unwavering trust in God throughout her life.

Jane is survived by her five children: Mary Bateman-Ferry, David (Barbara), Peter (Mary Mac), Stephen (Rebecca), and Andrew (Julie) Bateman; her 12 grandchildren: Jonathan, Jeffrey (Jessy), Sean (Kristyn), Christen, Caity, Daniel, Brian, Christopher (Lauren), Morgan, Patrick, Michael, and Alyssa (Mack); and her three great-grandchildren: Logan Jane, Russell, and Isaac, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter; her parents, Marshall and Margaret Frenette; sisters and their husbands, Mary and Jim Van Deusen, Anne and Art Handly, and Jean and Henry Dykeman; sister-in-law Barbara and Hal Henry; son-in-law John Bateman Ferry; and nephews Stephen Henry, Phillip Dykeman, and Jon Van Deusen.

The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers, friends, and family members who surrounded Jane with love, compassion, and dignity throughout her later years. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to her daughter Mary and grandson Jonathan, whose unwavering devotion, patience, and daily care brought Jane comfort, companionship, and immeasurable love. The family is also grateful to the staff at Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle and Bolivia Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their kindness, support, and attentive care.

Jane will be dearly missed, but the strength of her faith and the love she poured into her family will continue to guide those who knew her for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Lowville, New York, on July 30, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Loaves and Fishes at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 5101 Ocean Highway West, Shallotte, NC 28470.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service