Frances Bea Gates

As many of you know, our dear friend Frances Gates had been ill for some time. We are deeply saddened to share that Frances passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, at Stony Brook University Hospital, just as she wished-quietly and with grace. She was 64 years old.

Frances was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She met life head-on, never one to back down from a challenge or compromise who she was. Those who truly knew her understood that beneath her strong will and sharp edges was a fiercely loyal heart and a quiet tenderness she showed to a chosen few.

She lived life on her own terms-unyielding, unapologetic, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

Professionally, Frances built a successful and respected career in real estate, working first with Elzon & Robinson where she met Attmore Robinson, Jr. who became her mentor in business and life long friend. Frances and Attmore traveled extensively together until he passed in 2004 at the age of 92. After leaving Elzon Robinson, Frances joined the Virginia O'Dwyer agency in the mid-nineties where she stayed through its acquisition by Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.

Frances was known for her dedication, integrity, and genuine care for her clients.

Beyond her career, Frances was deeply committed to her community. She was the longest-serving volunteer for the Three Village Meals on Wheels and a long-serving member of the Port Jefferson Lions Club, giving generously of her time and compassion to help others.

Fittingly, Frances was named after the St. Frances River, which flowed past her family's farm in Campbell, Missouri.

Though her passing leaves a silence that cannot be filled, her spirit remains in the lives she touched and the lessons she taught simply by being herself.

She will be remembered, always, with respect, affection, and love.

Visitation and a service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances's memory to Three Village Meals on Wheels, the Lions Club of Port Jefferson, or a charity of your choice.

In Her Own Word: Frances Bea Gates

Growing up in the folksy Midwest was a different sort of childhood filled with farms and lakes for boating and fishing. After my studies and active life on the Michigan State Crew Team, I left the very weekend of graduation. I packed up an old Oldsmobile and drove through the mountains of Pennsylvania to New York, in my hand a degree, my possessions and $2,000.00. While driving and listening to my AM radio in a car without air conditioning, Frank Sinatra's song New York, New York played and I was hopeful that as the song goes I could make it there! Prior to my real estate career I worked in the hospitality business at some of the most iconic restaurants in New York City. I got my start in the hospitality industry by a chance meeting with a local hotel owner in a small town in Switzerland. While on vacation with a college friend, I was offered a job to come back and work at a hotel in the Alps for the summer. I left a job at a Mutual Fund Company to try my hand at my real love FOOD and wine. Upon my return to NYC, I worked in several small local restaurants on the Upper East Side of New York City with my last job being at the famed Russian Tea Room, along with working for a wine importer selling New World wines to restaurants in New York City. Currently residing in the quaint village of Port Jefferson, I enjoy walking around the beautiful harbor front and attending village events. The most important part about living in Three Village/Port Jefferson is the people. The cultural events at Stony Brook University bring a lot of inspiration to the locals and beyond. I continue to have a love for food, entertaining and travel. Part of the reason I became a Real Estate Broker was to work with the public to help them achieve the American dream.

Awards & Accomplishments

Associate Real estate Broker since 1992

Certified Buy Representative (CBR)

Bachelor Of Science from Michigan State University

Member Michigan State Crew Team ( Light Weight Four)

National Association of Realtors

Long Island Board of Realtors

Three Village Meal on Wheels (Past President & Board Member)

Port Jefferson Lions Club (Past President)

Lions Club District 205 (Past Secretary/Treasurer)

New York State and Bermuda Lions Club (Past Zone Chairman/Regional Chairperson)

Suffolk County Lions Diabetes Education Foundation, Inc. (Past Secretary/Founding Board Member)