Joan E. Gates

1933 - 2011

Joan Elizabeth Gates, age 77, of Owings, MD passed away August 6, 2011 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Joan was born June 2, 1933 in Annapolis, MD to Charles Allen and Elizabeth (Hirschfield) Miller. She was raised in St. Margaret's, graduated from Annapolis High School, and later attended Fleet Business School. She was employed at Thomas Somerville Plumbing Co. in Parole as a secretary. She married Harvey Gates and they made their home in the Annapolis area. She later moved to Deale, MD where she assisted in the family business, Gates Marina. She moved to Owings in 1973 and was a homemaker. Joan enjoyed spending time with her friends at the North Beach Senior Center. In her leisure she enjoyed watching NASCAR and NHRA, computer "I" chatting, and reminiscing with friends and family.

Joan is survived by her sons Mark Allen Gates and wife Tina of Deale, MD, Harvey E. Gates III and wife Lisa of Huntingtown, MD, Jeffrey S. Gates and wife Patricia of Gaithersburg, MD, and daughter Tracie L. Russell and husband Greg of Huntingtown, MD. She is survived by grandchildren Jason, Ashley, Kailyn, Jesse, Harvey IV, Tyler, Casey, Matthew, Samuel and Jessa, and great-grandchildren Nathaniel and Victoria. She is also survived by a sister Alfrieda H. Atwell and husband Joe of Annapolis, MD, sister-in-law Betsy Gates of San Diego, CA, friends Ruby and Cliff Quinby of Scipio, OK, Ruby Ackerman of Chesapeake Beach, and Scruffy, Julie and Peanut. Joan was preceded in death by an uncle Oscar K. Hirschfield. Friends and family will be received on Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD 20736, where services and a celebration of Joan's life will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Miranda Cemetery, Huntingtown, MD. Memorial contributions may be made in Joan's name to the Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland, c/o Dr. Alessio Fasano, Univ. Of MD School of Medicine Center for Celiac Research, 20 Penn Street Room S303B, Baltimore, MD 21201 or Make a Wish Foundation 4742 N. 24th Street, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4862.

For information visit www.RauschFuneralHomes.com