Noella Francis Marina Bates

BERKSHIRE-Noella F. Bates, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Montreal, QC on December 12, 1934, to the late Francis and Violet (Batten) Fleury.

Noella grew up in Montreal and Mount Echo where she attended school and helped raise her siblings. While at a barn dance, she met Carl A. Bates who quickly became the love of her life. The two were married on January 28, 1955, and moved to Berkshire, VT where they started their family. Noella supported Carl and stood by his side as he continued his career farming. Carl and Noella were soulmates. They were the true example of unconditional love and commitment.

Noella was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. She was a devoted wife, caring mother, and doting grandmother. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She had a way of making everyone feel special and like they were her favorite. Noella's family will remember her as a pillar of strength. She faced every hardship with grace and was not one to complain or ask for help. She always remained strong and calm for those around her. She was incredibly selfless and prioritized everyone else's needs over her own.

She was a talented cook, and her family will always remember her delicious meals and desserts, especially the special ones she made for each of them for their birthday. Everything she made was made with "Grandma's love". When her grandchildren were young, Noella enjoyed babysitting them, and would later even babysit her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren's special events and supporting them through all their accomplishments, both big and small. Her other hobbies included sewing, playing cards, reading, watching Judge Judy, and going for rides. Noella especially looked forward to her morning coffee dates with her children every day.

Everyone who knew Noella loved her. She was always there to offer a listening ear, a warm hug, or a comforting word of advice, and made sure you were taken care of.

Her family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her 5 children, Anne Marie Bates and Howard Tatro of Enosburg, Carol Guilmette and Mark of Enosburg, Tim Bates and Sandy Kupperblatt of Lake Havasu, AZ., Patti Laurie and Jon of Nicholville, NY, and Tom Bates of Berkshire; grandchildren, Becky, Jennifer (Jason), Leah (Joey), Jessie (Ryan), Kristi (Nicolae), Josh (Whitney), Kyle (Amanda), Shane (Jenna), Darren (Jenae), Bradley (Courtney), Courtney (Sean), and Zachary; great grandchildren, Abigail, Noah, Aidan, Nicholas, Nico, Caden, Easton, Addison, Peyton, Greyson, Alyssa, Cullen, Teagan, Kinley, Paxton, Ellie, Sawyer, Barrett, Reese and Bennett; her sister Lorraine and her family of British Columbia; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by daughters-in-law Mary and Kim.

In addition to her parents, Noella was predeceased by her husband, Carl A. Bates; granddaughter, Jodi Lynn Robtoy; and siblings, Paul Fleury and his wife Lucy, Peter Fleury, Guy Maurice, Buddy Fleury; and James Fleury.

Family and friends are invited to Noella's Life Celebration to include a graveside service on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11:00AM at the East Franklin Cemetery, Lake Road, Franklin, VT.

Noella's family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Our Lady of the Meadows for the remarkable and loving care her and her family received.

For those who wish contributions in Noella's memory may be made to Bayada Hospice, 354 Mountain View Dr Suite 305, Colchester, VT 05446.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com