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Ann Gates Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ann Gates
Gin Evans
August 26, 2008
I just heard yesterday about your passing, Spencer, and it just made me flash back to those EW days, and your big spirit, full appreciation of life, and just how precious life is for all of us. My heart goes out to your family, and a big thank you to your EW friends--Kitty, Ellen, Mary-- who were by your side. I will continue to think about you as this sad news finds a place to settle. Much love, Gin
Ann Beach
July 20, 2008
I learned with sadness that wonderful. warm, fun and funny Spencer is gone. The twinkle in her eye, throaty voice and big laughter brightened a room and yes, this world. I was so very lucky to have shared time at Emma Willard with Spencer as feisty, young teenagers and later as maturing women. I'll always look for her on campus, remember her with joy and fondness and from now on miss her. Ann Beach '76
Wiebke Theodore
July 18, 2008
Dear Spencer,
For several years when visiting Deer isle I called at your place .. Really at your grandfather's and a couple of times we actually managed to be there at the same time-- shortly after our 25th reunion- stunning clear Maine day. We hung out on the sunset rock and lunched in a scene that Robert McCloskey got just right. We had discovered at that last EW reunion a kinship, joy and perspective that comes with age, not awkward anymore, you had a.. to the point, straight shooting, joyful quality and warmth that is etched on my memory. I was so very glad to reconnect with you then and in Maine.. When I cross the Eggemoggin Reach Bridge tomorrow I will be thinking of you.
I know that Kitty must have been amazing as always, positive —who else has access to chickens on trains and such transcending warmth.. So now we are missing you yet privileged to have been in even a small way a part of your life. Love Wiebke
Carey Adams
July 15, 2008
I got this overwhelming urge to talk to Spencer this past February after not having spoken to her for fifteen years. We are both from Buffalo, but she was closer to my bother Nelson's age than mine and we had never met before we happened to end up working in the same department at Harvard Extension in 1987. We became roommates in an apartment in Brighton along with my new husband, Tony and her cat, Phil.
When we spoke this February, (my mother just happened to run into Spencer's mother in Buffalo two days after I mentioned how much I wanted to find her), I didn't know she had been so sick or that she had been living so close by. We talked for almost three hours and had plans to meet the next week but she cancelled at the last minute. She hadn't been feeling well. I called a few times, but we never spoke again.
I am glad she is not suffering anymore.
When I think of Spencer, I think of music, generosity, her unmistakable resonant voice, tons of friends and Phil.
Julie Pettigrew Ellis
July 11, 2008
Since hearing the very sad news about Spencer, I have gone throughout the daily tasks of the day thinking so much about her life and wonderful memories of EW. Spencer often made me smile. Though I've been remiss in keeping in touch, my thoughts and prayers are there for family and friends who feel this loss the most.
Brenda Ray
July 10, 2008
Wow. This news has stopped me in my tracks.
Blessings to you dear Spencer. A new chapter begins. I bet you'll make the most of it.
Peace and love.
Nan Sohn
July 10, 2008
When I think of Spencer I think of that deep laugh, that incredible smile and the twinkle in her eye. The Spencer I remember showed a zest for life, one who told it like it was. She spoke her mind and never sugar coated it, and she knew how to have fun! She had a good heart and was a loyal friend. Life is just unfair sometimes. How lucky we all are to have known her and have her touch our lives so memorably. My thoughts go out to you Kitty and Ellen for your unwavering support of our friend Spencer. May she rest in peace. I agree, the void will be strongly felt at the next reunion..until then let us all toast to the life of Spencer Ann Gates. Be well my EW friends...
Spencer in Rhinebeck
Georgia Dent
July 10, 2008
The most fabulous gal many of will ever know. Despite her petite stature she was a giant in personality, humor and conviction. A going-out party celebrated in her honor on July9th will be spoken about in the halls of Harvard Extention School, the old Boston music scene and Cambridge theater arena (if they have halls) where she whole-heartedly devoted herself until her final moments with shocking gusto. I loved her, but who couldn't!
Betsi Swift Morris
July 10, 2008
When I think of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, I think of Spencer. I also think of Spencer with myThacher School experience, where she was my roommate-
Love of Life, that was Spencer. Strong, personable, a terrific sense of humor- I also think of her forever on the soccer field, with her incredible tenacity and spirit. It was my favorite team experience ever, I was a wing, Ford, Hillman and the gang. A truly memorable few seasons with Rob Durkee as our coach.
I join my classmates in sympathy for her family and friends- a woman of great spirit, Spencer.
Candis Murray
July 9, 2008
Ah, Spencer, your infectious laugh, your open joy for new adventures, your hearty spirit that will never die. Through all these years, whenever I think of EW or Thacher, I remember you and a smile comes to my face. Peace and solace to your family and friends. May you fly free and remain, forever young.
Grace Evans
July 9, 2008
Oh how deeply saddened I am to hear of Spencer's passing. Though for years we've been out of touch, Spencer was an inspiration for living with heart, soul and guts. Growing up with her at Emma imbedded her upon my heart with so many other dear "sistahs" from that crazy time. I will miss not seeing you at the next reunion Spencer, but your flame is strong and will always be alive for me in a special way solidified by that special time in our lives. Thank you Kitty and all those who cared for her.
Margaret Cox
July 9, 2008
Thank you Spencer for always embracing life with gusto, and along the way, showing all of us how wonderful and precious life really is.
love, Chez
Peter Cutler
July 9, 2008
I'd like to add my deepest sympathy from one of the original Buffalo "gang," who grew up with Ann and the three boys. What a time we had! The memories of Mountian View Drive in Lewiston and the unforgettable days on Irving Place in Buffalo are forever etched in my mind. And Ann is a central figure in all of those wonderful, albeit slightly hazy memories of youth. While the intervening years changed us, especially physically, the affection and warmth we all had for each other never waned. It is impossible for me to think of my most formative (and definitely interesting!) years without thinking immediately of Ann and the entire Gates clan. I know, as she got older, Ann became known to many of her new friends as Spencer, but she'll always be Annie to me -- forever. I loved her like a sister (and sometimes we brawled like siblings, too!) and I will miss her very day.
Phoebe Collins
July 8, 2008
Spencie:
When I ask myself what on earth I will do without you, I can hear your voice—“well, you’d better find somethin’ ” in that signature Mary Carter drawl, so long a part of our linguistic shorthand—followed by the inevitable laughter. What a wonder to me how two long-ago schoolmates (vets of both EF & EWS) should belatedly locate what was there all along: a fabulous friendship. Like one last present we’d forgotten to open. And that it should be such a source of strength to us both all the while the light was fading.
Last Christmas we lit candles before the magnificent crèche at St. Louis church in Buffalo; may yours burn brightly forever, now that (to borrow from Rilke) the space around you has grown wide and your distance is among the stars. Godspeed, dearest, most cherished friend.
Leta, Ellen, Spencer, Kitty, Betsy, Mary
Leta Davis
July 8, 2008
To our Dear Spencer,
Each of us that went to EW brought and took different things from Mount Ida. I will always think of your raucous laugh (OMG there is no spell check in this program) Spencer. please guide me to the right spelling. You were out beyond the boundaries of right and wrong. You welcomed us there. You were an encyclopedia of great music, which I always admired. I know your loyalty was strong and I always looked forward to seeing you at reunions. Last fall was wonderful. I know that special acknowledgment has to go to Kitty for her friendship and devotion. We will miss you and always love you. -Leta
Katie Scharf Benrubi
July 8, 2008
I was so saddened to hear that Spencer had passed away, yet so comforted to know that so many of her EW family were there for her during the long, hard, final chapter of her life (thank you Kitty, Ellen, Mary and others). When I think of Spencer, I think of a girl always living on the edge, full of life. I admired her independence, her sense of humor, her zest for life. In my mind, I will forever remember our times at Emma....her thick beautiful hair, her smile and her sparkling beautiful eyes. Rest in peace Spencer.
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