ST. ALBANS - Gertrude M. Bates, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.
She was born in Fairfax on November 27, 1934 to the late Alfred & Frances (Parah) Burnor.
Gertrude lived in Florida for 22 years, where she enjoyed friendships, hosting many 500 Card parties, and faithfully attending church with her husband, Louis. They moved back to Vermont in 2016. She was a hard worker and spent many years at IBM. After retirement, she was able to enjoy Bingo, trips to the Casino, birdwatching, cooking and using her artistic talent tole painting. She absolutely loved animals and her family. She will be remembered as a wonderful Mom, Meme and Mother.
She is survived by her husband, Louis E. Bates of Swanton; children, Louis E. Bates Jr. and his wife, Linda of Franklin, Lonnie Bates and his wife, Mary of Addison, Patricia Vincent and her husband, Andrew of St. Albans Bay, Theresa Wilcox and her husband, Richard of Cambridge, Rose Bates of Manchester, and Sally Bates of St. Albans; 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Bette Nolan of St. Albans Bay, Linda Burnor of Essex, Eugene Bates of Westford, and Gary Bates and his wife, Jolly of Georgia; a special godchild, Steve Nolan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Gertrude was predeceased by her son-in-law, Chris Sutherland; siblings, Albert Burnor; Blanche Sorrell; siblings-in-law, Marion Bates, Wayne Nolan, and Burt Sorrell.
Gertrudes family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at NMC for the wonderful care they provided, and to Bonnie Evans for the beautiful comfort quilt.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 5-8:00 PM at Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 7, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Lake Street, St. Albans. Interment will follow in St. Lukes Catholic Cemetery in Fairfax.
For those who wish, contributions in Gertrudes memory can be made to the Ladies of St. Anne, Holy Angels, c/o Pat Vincent, P.O. Box 12, St. Albans Bay, Vermont 05481.
Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com