JOAN CONSTANCE MARIE BATES

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JOAN CONSTANCE MARIE BATES After a long illness Joan Constance Marie Bates passed away peacefully on December 2, 2010 in the care of Grace Hospital. Born September 24, 1936 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Joan worked and lived in many places on her journey to Winnipeg. After graduating from Boston College in 1958 with a degree in education, Joan taught elementary school in Massachusetts, Maine, and Oklahoma. She also taught at American Department of Defense schools both in the USA and in Ontario, Newfoundland/Labrador and Saskatchewan. She and her family immigrated to Canada in 1975 and Joan became Canadian citizen in 2007. She was married to Horace Carleton Bates of Dickson, Tennessee at Andover, New Brunswick, on 19th March 1966. In her travels Joan became a mother five times. Her children are Joseph John Bates of Key West, Florida, Arlo Carlton Bates of Winnipeg, Helen Tracy Bates of Winnipeg, Matthew Roderick Bates of Winnipeg and Alicia April Bates of St. John's Newfoundland/Labrador. While living in Vermillion Bay, Ontario, Joan and her husband also gave to their community by fostering children. Four granddaughters, two grandsons and her daughter-in-law Ruth Baines also survive Joan. Her parents Joseph Roderick Leite and Alycia Correia predeceased her. In 2005 Joan and Carlton moved to Winnipeg where Joan became active at Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre and Temple Shalom until ill health curtailed her activities. An intimate service was held for Mrs. Bates on December 9, 2010. All who knew her will miss her no nonsense approach to life and sense of humor.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2010