Florence M. Gates

1920 - 2023

Florence M. Gates

Florence M. Gates, age 103, of Hibbing, Minn., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm, Minn.

Florence was born in Hibbing on May 23, 1920, to Louis and Grace (Linard) Collyard. She grew up on the Iron Range and graduated from Hibbing High School. Florence went on to become a nurse's aide working at Fairview Range Medical Center for many years. She finished her career, retiring at 65, working in the autoclave department for surgical procedures. An active member at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, her faith was very important. Florence was also involved with Sacred Heart, National Catholic Society, Foresters, Hull Rust Mine View and Senior Citizens Tourist Center. She enjoyed spending time outside gardening flowers and plants. Hosting and having people over to her house, the coffee was always on at 3PM. Florence also spent time doing needle work, including embroidery and knitting. Above all, Florence was an amazing mom and grandma. She loved her family dearly as she lived for her grandkids and was playing around on the floor with them well into her 80's!

Florence is survived by her children, Rick (Melanie) Gates and Coetta (Patrick) Connors, daughter-in-law, Kathleen Gates, grandchildren: Lori, Tracy, Shawn, Aaron, Jesse, Russell, Kristine, Gina, Jim, Denise and Jenelle, many great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by eight siblings; and sons, Patrick and Louis Gates.

The family would like to give a special thanks to nurse Julie and all of the other great staff at Heritage Manor who have cared for Florence over the last 10 years.

Mass of Christian will be held at noon on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing. Father Bill Skarich will officiate services and visitation will be held one hour prior to mass beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Washington Elementary School in Hibbing.

Please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a condolence.