Eleanor Mary Walsh Bates

Mrs. Eleanor Mary Walsh Bates, 90
     AUBURN -- Mrs. Eleanor Mary Walsh Bates, 90, formerly of Auburn, and Winchester, Mass. died Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2007, in Wallingford, Conn., with one of her daughters by her side. Eleanor was born in Auburn, on Dec. 10, 1916, the daughter of Mary Flynn Walsh and William Edmund Walsh. She was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1934. She continued her education and graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, in 1938. She then taught school in Maine, in Dresden Mills and at Brunswick High School, before moving to Boston where she earned a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling at Boston University.
     She married Thomas Myers Bates on Sept. 25, 1943. They were married for 51 years until his death on Aug. 13,1994, in Auburn. They raised their family of eight children in Winchester, before retiring to Maine. For many years after her marriage, Eleanor concentrated on lovingly raising her children and grandchildren and contributing to her church parishes in Winchester and Auburn.
     Throughout her life, Eleanor found beauty and inspiration in the simplest parts of God's creations. Skies were more than blue; they were cerulean. Trees weren't just tall; they stood as stately sentinels. Her deep faith underscored her optimism and bright spirit, allowing her to see the bright sides of even the darkest days. She drew additional support and love from her family and many friends, never forgetting a birthday or special occasion. She treasured life and the people in her life until the very end.
     She is survived by her loving children; three daughters, Mary Anne Shube of Greenwood Village, Colo., Elizabeth Miles of Duvall, Wash., and Margaret Butler of Orange, Conn. She also leaves four sons, Thomas M. Jr. of Boxborough, Mass., William E. of Acton, Mass., James F. of Arlington, Mass. and John L. of Layton, Utah; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A fifth son, Paul J., predeceased her.
     Visitation will be held at The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at 11 a.m., at St. Phillips Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lewiston. A Service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 207 783-8545 www.dignitymemorial.com.
    Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Eleanor's memory
    to The National Alzheimer's
    Association, The National
    Association of the Mentally Ill or a
     charity of one's choice.
    Mrs. Eleanor Mary Walsh Bates