M. Estelle Gates

M. ESTELLE GATES, 97, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, July 24, 2008. She died suddenly at her home in Ocean City. Estelle had many friends and many interests and she will be greatly missed. She grew up in Atlantic City and was a member of the first graduating class of Atlantic City High School. She then moved to Washington where she met and married her husband of 55 years, Thomas C. Gates. She worked on Capitol Hill and a number of other Government agencies, including the Army Security Agency as an administrator and raised a family in Arlington, Virginia. Upon retirement Estelle and Tom returned to the Jersey Shore and spent many wonderful years in Ocean City. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, an avid bridge player, loved fishing, spending time at the beach, and watching professional tennis. As she grew older she was often seen riding her three-wheel bicycle on the boardwalk sporting her white tennis hat. She also loved to travel and traveled with family and friends to England, Israel, spent autumns in Vermont and summers in Cape Hatteras. She was known for her wit, sharp mind, and independent spirit. She is predeceased by her husband Tom and is survived by her son, Dr. Thomas J. Gates and his wife Norma Jean of Leesburg, Va. and their children, Jennifer Gates and Christopher Gates. She is also survived by her daughter, Natalie Reed, and her sons, Dr. Matthew Reed, his wife Heajin, and David Reed. She was blessed with two great grandchildren, Alec and Lana Reed. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30 at 1:00 at the First Presbyterian Church at 701 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home. www.JeffriesandKeates@lifecelebration.com.