It is with saddened hearts that the family of the late Ellen Marie Battiste (nee Bird) announces her sudden passing on Wednesday December 17th at her residence in Paradise, NL at the age of 69 years. Born in Port aux Basques, Marie, as she was better known as, was the daughter of the late Lewis and Ada Bird. She was also predeceased by her husband, Joe; parents in-law Thomas and Jane Battiste; sister Laura (Joe) Pearce; brother and sister in-laws Lewis, Mabel, Ray, Bob, William, Ronnie (Maxine), Cyril; nieces Amanda and Rhonda; and nephew Joey.

Marie will be lovingly remembered by her children Benjamin (Kathy) and Jeremy; grandchildren Avery and Tommy; brother Wilfred (Geraldine); sisters Geraldine (Terry), Christine (Clay), Irene(Phil), Hazel (Don); brother and sister in-laws Nina, Audrey, Marlene (Tom), Gerard (Carolann), Kevin (Donna) and Jerome (Pauline), plus a very large circle of nieces, nephews and friends. She will also be missed by Barbara Jeddore, who Marie referred to as her guardian angel, Jeffery who she adored and special friends Howard (Rita) Lomond, and Tera Gosse.

Marie was a fun-loving woman with a quick wit and an infectious laugh that brought joy to those around her. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially her bingo games and lottery tickets, finding fun and anticipation in every game. For 24 years, from 1991-2015, Marie was the proud owner of a well-known store on Charlie's Head, where she became much more than a storekeeper. Her customers were drawn not only by the goods on the shelves, but by the warm conversations, shared laughs, and genuine kindness she offered to everyone who walked through the door. Marie will be fondly remembered for her cheerful spirit, and the many friendships she made along the way.

Visitation will be taking place on Friday December 19th, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at East Haven Funeral Home Inc, 57 Grand Bay Road, Port aux Basques. Funeral services will be taking place on Saturday December 20th at 11 AM at St. James Anglican Church, Channel officiated by Rev. Kuda. Interment to follow at St. James Anglican Cemetery, Barachois Hill. Donations can be made to the family. Funeral arrangements were in the care if East Haven Funeral Home, Port aux Basques, 695-2300. www.easthavenfuenralhome.com

Forever In Our Hearts