Flair for fashion and enjoyed romantic films
STONEHAM — Jean Marie Bates (née Wilson) of Stoneham passed away on October 4. She was the beloved wife of the late John William Bates affectionately known as “Jack” and the cherished daughter of the late Raymond Manning Wilson and Eda Ann Wilson (née Palladino).
Jean was born and raised in Arlington, graduating from Arlington High School in the class of 1951. Following graduation, she had a career in secretarial and administrative roles spending 25 years working for the Star Market Company with the last 18 years or so at the corporate offices in Cambridge. Jean made her home in Stoneham for over 50 years where she lovingly raised her family. She married her high-school sweetheart Jack in 1954 and they spent more than 61 years together in a loving, devoted partnership. With a shared zeal for travel, Jean and Jack especially enjoyed taking cruise vacations with close friends.
Known for her elegance and radiant smile, Jean had a flair for fashion and home décor. She found joy in playing cards, reading popular novels, watching romantic films and indulging in TV game shows. A keen observer of daily politics and current events, Jean made it a ritual to start her mornings with a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee immersed in the latest news on MSNBC or CNN. Above all, Jean’s greatest passion was her family. She treasured every moment spent celebrating holidays, sharing good meals and creating indelible memories with those she loved. Her warmth, grace and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Jean was the loving mother of John W. Bates III and his wife Sandy of Melrose;Jeffrey R. Bates of Boston; Joanne M. Bates of Stoneham; and Jason W. Bates and his partner Era Dabla of Washington, DC. She was a devoted grandmother to Jack, Melissa, Joshua, Rosa, Alexandra, Samuel and Gabriela; and a proud great-grandmother to Octavio and Mariela. Jean also held a special place as the godmother of Cara Crandall. She is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and her sister-in-law Jacqueline Bates; she was predeceased by her siblings-in-law Lorraine and George Bilafer; Clintelle and Gordon Bates; and Richard Bates.
Visiting hours will be held at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, October 12 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in Jean’s memory. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.