WILMINGTON — Catherine Pine Batson, age 80 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at her home in Bayshore Estates, the Ogden area of Wilmington, on October 30, 2023.
Cathy was born on May 12, 1943, to the late Frank and Angie Pine in Newport, RI. She was the sixth of eight children, raised in a poor military family where her father was deployed in the Navy much of the time. She graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, RI and at the age of 18 she married Dennis James (Jimmy) Batson; they had dated for several years while he was stationed in Newport with the Navy. In the early 60’s they moved to Jimmy’s hometown, Hampstead, NC, and had their first child, Dean. Soon after, they moved to the Wilmington area, building their first home and having their second child, Diane. Jimmy’s job as an electrician took them to Hersey, PA for a couple years before moving back to their home in NC where they stayed.
After the children started school, Cathy secured a job as a secretary down at the Ports with Wilmington Shipping Company for 12 years. Looking for change in atmosphere, a friend got her a job waitressing at Whitey’s Restaurant where she thrived with her regulars. After retiring from waitressing, she worked part-time at Sam’s Club for several more years.
Cathy was, as most would describe, a hot sketch! Fun loving, hardworking, and sassy. She didn’t love cooking but learned the southern way and enjoyed freezing and canning Jimmy’s garden harvests. She did love the sound; the oystering and clamming were her favorite. In the evenings, Jimmy and Cathy were well known for their dancing skills, frequenting the Moose Lodge and local dance halls. She was a dedicated mother, doing anything for her children. After losing their daughter Diane at 21 in a car accident, becoming a granny became a new highlight in her life. She loved babysitting her grandchildren more than anything. Cathy was a fighter, nearly overcoming her health diagnosis, battling for several years longer than most.
She is survived by her beloved son Dean Batson (Brenda) and their children Diana Jane and Richard Wayland, siblings Robert Pine, Gertrude Grainger, Patricia “Pat” Dennett, and Michael Pine, along with many other extended family members and friends who loved her and will miss her.
In addition to her aforementioned parents, Cathy is predeceased by her husband Dennis James “Jimmy” Batson, daughter Diane Elaine Batson, and siblings Frank Pine, Jr., Tommy Pine, and Veronica (Pine) Perry.
There are no services planned at this time.
Please leave memories and condolences for Cathy’s family here.
