Mary Gates

FRANKLIN - Mary Gates, age 89, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, old and new, at Our Lady of the Meadows in Richford. Mary loved the staff at Our Lady of the Meadows and considered them her family.

She was born on September 30, 1935 in St. Albans to the late Hugh & Martha (Hanna) Towle.

Mary was a life-long resident of Franklin where her deep-rooted love for the land began. She was a proud graduate of Franklin High School and pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a registered nurse after attending the Mary Fletcher School of Nursing. She devoted her early career to Kerbs Hospital before staying home to start a family. She married Howard Gates on July 11, 1959, and they raised their children on the family farm in Franklin. After her children were in school, she continued working on the farm and returned to nursing. She dedicated over two decades to the Franklin school district as a beloved school nurse. Her compassion and care touched the lives of countless students and families, leaving an indelible mark on her community.

In the latter part of her life, Mary returned to her agricultural roots, embracing her passion for farming full-time. She worked diligently in the hayfields, sugar woods, and milking, continuing her labor of love until the age of 81. Mary was not only a dedicated farmer but also an accomplished quilter, sewer, knitter, and baker. Her signature rolls were a staple at church gatherings, and she was warmly remembered for her delicious donuts and baked beans.

Mary is survived by her children, Patricia Gates Whittemore and her husband Marty of Franklin, Jonathan Gates and his wife Karen of Franklin, Betsy Baker and her husband Jeff of Brookfield, and Steven Gates of Franklin; grandchildren, Benjamin Gates, Justin Gates, Noah Gates, Hanna Baker, Zachariah Baker, Emily Gates and her significant other Torrey, and Madeline Gates; and several siblings-in-law and nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Howard Gates; and her siblings, Ann Evans, and James Towle.

Friends & family are invited to Mary's life celebration to include a memorial service on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Franklin United Church, Main St., Franklin, VT. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Franklin.

For those who wish, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the Franklin Homestead, 142 Homestead Drive, Franklin, VT 05457.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com