BATES, Florence
Sydney
With broken hearts we regretfully announce the passing of Florence Ellen (Gillis) Bates who passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the MacGillivray Guest Home on July 23, 2017.
Left to mourn is her loving husband of 66 years, Ivan Bates. She was a wonderful mother to Mary Ellen Sampson (John), Patsy Moore (Alan), Lawrence (Michele), Joe (Joni), Glenda Yurczyszyn (Jerry) and Colleen Doyle (Bob). She was the warmest grandmother to Shelley Lynk (Craig), Jennifer Skinner (Chris), Sara Andrews (Jason), Ashley Adams (Kevin), Laura Moore, Jim Moore (Barb), Bree Bates, Jamie Bates, Melissa Bates (Kayle), Katherine Bates, Ivan Yurczyszyn, Glenn Yurczyszyn, Katie Yurczyszyn, Tyler Doyle, Kelleigh Doyle, Alana Irvine (Dan) and Alicia Hussey (Liam). She was a great grandmother to Andrew and Bryan Lynk, Isabel Beers, Ellie and Max Adams, Ava Moore, Carter Keigan and Eben Hussey. She will also be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.
A woman of beauty, pure heart and closeness to God. Born August 16, 1928 to Margaret and John J. A. Gillis of Grand Mira North. She was raised as a farm girl but spent some of her school years with her aunts in Sydney and eventually went to Empire Business College where she ended up teaching for several years. Later on she worked at Zellers Dept. Store.
At age 15 she met Ivan and they have been sweethearts ever since. She then had her family and devoted herself to them, making bread, sewing clothes and making sure we all went to church, and keeping us all happy.
A devout Catholic she has been a member of Holy Redeemer parish for 63 years and was a member of the St. Gerards Guild and the CWL for 50 years.
Florence was well known in the neighbourhood and by family for her mouthwatering biscuits, baked goods and lovely meals. It was hard to get out her door without at least a cup of tea. She was always the first one there for everyone when they were ill or in the need of anything. Her smile was always warm and her heart was always open wide and very soft. We will miss this generous, caring, loving and gracious woman and are so grateful for the precious life she provided for us.
She was the last member of her immediate family. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by, sisters, Mary (John) Mackinnon, Isabel (Dan) MacNeil, Josie (Alex) Peters, Annie Gillis, and brother, John ‘Bricky’ Gillis, and by the John Leo and Beatrice Bates family.
Many thanks to the MacGillivray Guest home staff where Mom has been lovingly cared for the past two years. Also to Dr. MacKillop, Dr Shariff, Dr. Gardener and Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino and the staff of the Palliative Care dept. for your wonderful care.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 27 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Memorial donations may be made to the CBRH Palliative Care Dept., MacGillivray Guest Home or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.