Mary Bates, age 80, passed away at her home in Wells, Vt., on April 1, 2008.
Mary was born on Feb. 19, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of Dr. Andrew Henry and Isabell (Park) Wallhauser.
Mary was the proprietor of My Lady’s Workshop, an upholstery shop, before her retirement. Mary was a very active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wells and particularly loved helping out with church sales. She also enjoyed traveling.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, an infant son, Michael Wilcoxen, and a nephew, Jeffrey Conover. In addition to her husband, Harold Bates, whom she married on Oct. 1, 1988, Mary is survived by eight children: James Wilcoxen and his wife, Laurie, of Hillsboro, N.H., Walter Wilcoxen and his wife, “Tin,” of Sag Harbor, N.Y., Peter Wilcoxen of Brielle, N.J., Mary Ann Oberembt and her husband, Jim, of Rocky Hill, Conn., Thomas Bates and his fiance, Michelle, of Wells, Vt., Richard Bates and his wife, Donna, of Saratoga, Catherine Hayes and her husband, Ed, of Wells, Vt., and John Bates and his wife, Colleen, of Wells. Also surviving is a sister, Jane Plangere, and her husband, Jewles, of Spring Lake, N.J. In addition, 22 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one niece, Wendy Bickart, and her husband, John, of Ocean, N.J., and a nephew, John Conover, and his wife, Cathy, of Brielle, N.J.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wells, Vt., with the Rev. Paul Gratz and Rev. Molly Bidwell officiating. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Burial will follow in the Wells Cemetery where the committal service will be officiated by Rev. Alex Stringer. Friends are welcome at a reception at the Wells Fire House after the committal.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wells Fire Department.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY 12832.
