NORWICH – Irene E. Gates, 99, of Norwich and former long time resident of Pitcher, passed away Sunday morning, March 13, 2011, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Irene was born in Norwich in June of 1911 and was the daughter of William and Virginia Phillips Ellsworth. She grew up in Norwich where she attended the Norwich schools as well as school in South New Berlin from which she graduated. She worked for a brief period of time for the Norwich Pharmacal Co. and following her marriage made her home in Pitcher for over 40 years. While making their home in Pitcher, Irene and her husband owned and operated the gas station and store, known as the Corner Store, for several years. Following the death of her husband Lloyd Gates in 1986, Irene decided to move back to Norwich where she would remain until her passing.
Irene will be remembered as a strong and independent lady who was always ready for a good laugh. She also enjoyed family get togethers, a good game of cards and bingo.
Irene is survived by her children David Gates and his wife Judith of Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, Virginia Quiring and her husband Rev. David Quiring of Tacoma, Wash., Jane Vick of Mesa, Ariz., Margaret Schuttloffel and her husband Joseph of Lenoxx, S.D., William Gates and his wife Debra of Pitcher, George Gates and his wife Doreen of Boaz, Kent., Kevin Gates of Binghamton and Catherine Schaub and her husband John of Eldridge, Iowa, her 21 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild also survive along with many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Lloyd, Irene was predeceased by a granddaughter Elizabeth Weisenberger a grandson Timothy Schuttloffel, her sisters Mina Harvey and Virginia Dunckel and her brothers Leon and George Ellsworth.
Funeral services for Irene will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Irene’s son-in-law, The Rev. David Quiring, retired hospital chaplain, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the North Pitcher Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.