Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Shirley Bates Obituary
Worcester - Shirley A. Bates, 83, of Worcester passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2019 after a 3-month struggle with lung cancer.
She was born in Wakefield, MA to Edward and Emeline (Perry) Cleary. She graduated from Commerce High School and worked at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Howard Johnson's Vending Service.
Shirley is survived by her children Timothy Bates and wife Michelle of Auburn, Brenda Fisher of Windham, ME, Patricia Riley and husband Richard of Rockaway Township, NJ; daughter-in-law Nancy Bates of Auburn; brothers Reino Sutela and wife Ann of Vancouver, WA, and Joseph Cleary of Connecticut; grandchildren Jennifer Brindisi and husband Chris Dufresne; Chelsea Pascucci and husband Jason; Chad Bates; and the lights of her life great-grandsons James and Finn Pascucci; her cat Tabby; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Clement Bates, her son Russell Bates, her brother Edward J. Cleary, and her son-in-law Bradley Fisher.
Shirley was happiest when doing for others. Her love and kindness created an immense bond with family and friends. She loved to cook, bake, knit and travel. She was known for her homemade jams and annual Christmas cookie deliveries. She took great joy in feeding everyone, 2-legged and 4-legged. The neighborhood dogs could always count on a cookie from her pocket when out for her morning walk and it was not uncommon for her to pop popcorn for her bird and squirrel friends.
As her last act of generosity, Shirley donated her body to science, and per her wishes there will be no calling hours or services. Interment will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to thank her friends and neighbors as well as the aides and nurses that provided care and compassion over the past months. Those who desire may make a memorial donation in memory of Shirley to VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Bates
Sponsored by CLOSE LOCATION - Lindquist & Lundin Funeral Services.
Janet Putnam
January 13, 2022
Shirl still think of you often ,and miss your phone calls ,until we meet again love you
Janet Putnam
January 13, 2021
Shirley still think of you often ,l still have your voice message in my phone can’t believe it’s been this long since your passing seems like yesterday’,l love and miss you always ❤
Janet & Marty Putnam
January 13, 2020
Shirl l still think of you every day and miss you very much we've been great friends thru out the years we were like family always there to help and l loved you for that we both were pregnant at the same time for Timmy and Lori was there for Christmas parties loved it all will always miss you and think of you love ❤ you
Lyn and Al Wasilewski, Worcester
January 30, 2019
Dear Ray, Ann, and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Peace and comfort be yours. Prayers ascending.
Howie & Jan Beressi
January 30, 2019
Dear Tim & family,
So sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom from many years ago when she spent so much time with my brother Joe and Joan. She was always such a sweet person. The last time I saw her was at my sister-in- law Joan's after Joan had her knee surgery. We shared some great memories! Joan told me how much care & compassion you and your siblings, including your spouses and grandchildren gave her. She certainly was loved and will be certainly missed! Thinking of you all!
Love, Howie & Jan Beressi xo
January 28, 2019
Tim sorry to here about yyour mother take care of yourself see you in the spring LOVE BOTH OF YOU GOD BLESS MAT BETTY DISTEFANO. FM FLORIDA.
January 26, 2019
Tim and family
sorry for the loss of your mother and friend.
Brad and Dorry Stone
Holden,ma.
Margaret Booth
January 26, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We became friends when we visited our son when he lived on St. Louis Street and we always looked forward to spending time with her and Red on our visits.We will treasure the memories of the times we spent together, the phone calls and her visit to us with her sister in law Kay.
She was a wonderful person loved by all. She will be greatly missed.
Eric and Margaret Booth Lancashire England
Nancy ,Bill Brown
January 24, 2019
Brenda and family sorry for the loss of your mom she was a very special lady .May she Rest In Peace
Jim Dubois
January 23, 2019
To the Bates family, I am saddened by the passing of Shirley, I worked with her for many years at Ho Jo and always respected and liked her for the person she was, always caring and always friendly: R I P Shirley you will surely be missed by many.
John Doherty
January 23, 2019
Sorry for your loss Brenda and Tim.
Joe
January 23, 2019
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. May you find peace and comfort in God's promise at 1Thessalonians 4:14 during this difficult time.
January 23, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Bates family.
Shirley worked for me at Ho Jo's for many years, a wonderful person and worker. The cookies and cakes, were always there for all employees special occasions.
She was a thoughtful and kind person.
Rest in peace Shirley,
Ron Orcutt
Monika Korzep
January 23, 2019
I'm sorry for your loss. Shirley was an amazing woman. When we moved in down the street 2 years ago, she and another neighbor, were the first ones to graciously welcome us to the neighborhood with her yummy apple crisp! It was always a pleasure seeing her 1st thing in the morning on her power walks. She was truly a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be missed.
Dixie
January 22, 2019
I remember when I was 14, the Bates' had a camp in Douglas on Bad Luck Pond. I had a crush on Russell and he had invited me to the camp for lunch. His mother, Shirley, had made sandwiches and I was a little shy around her. She looked at me and said, "Don't worry , I don't bite YET". How time flies by and life changes...sending my deepest sympathy to Tim and family.
Katie Pearson
January 22, 2019
Shirley and Red we're the first to welcome us to the neighborhood with a loaf of banana bread. I appreciated the morning walks when I was able to get out and she always had a cookie for my pups and a lollipop for my girls. More than once any one of my pups would find refuge in her yard or under the porch and Shirley would bring them home with a treat and a smile. Shirley will be sorely missed but remembered with lots of love. May she be reunited with those she has lost and forever rest in peace.
Shirley Bourke
January 22, 2019
Timmy and Missy, Patty, Brenda, & Nancy, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will miss your mother, she was a good friend and neighbor. Rich and Shirley Bourke
Jacqueline Ormo
January 22, 2019
I want to send my deepest condolences to the entire family of Shirley. She has been like another mother to my daughter Michelle and I appreciate that so much. I know how much of a loss she will be to Missy and Tim and to the rest of the family. I will miss spending Christmases with her and other holidays and birthdays. She became a part of my family too. I will miss her, I think of her. I am grateful her pain has ceased and that she is resting in peace. God bless all those that have known and loved her.
Tami Mohamed
January 22, 2019
My father worked with Shirley at Howard Johnsons for many years. When I went to the office with Dad, Shirley was always very kind to me. I have very found memories of Shirley. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tami Mohamed (William Buchyn's daughter)
Martin & Janet Putnam
January 21, 2019
My condolences to the family So sorry of the passing of my friend l will miss her dearly she was always there for me and anyone that needed help l wish I could have done something for her but l guess God wanted her more till we meet again love Marty and Janet
Debbie Hendrickson
January 21, 2019
Timmy and family we are so sorry to hear about your mom, you are all in our thoughts and prayers, Debbie and Matt Hendrickson
Trisha
January 21, 2019
Sorry for your loss, my condolences to the family and friends of Shirley may you find great comfort in God's promise found in John 6:40
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Shirley Bates's name
Memorial Events
for Shirley Bates
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSE LOCATION - Lindquist & Lundin Funeral Services36 Butler St, Worcester, MA 01607
How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Shirley Bates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
