Isabelle Ivansco Bates

Isabelle Ivansco Bates passed away peacefully 1 a.m. August 8, 2006, at the Middlesex Heath Care Facility in Middletown, where she was a resident for the past year. She would have been 83 on August 12. She was the wife of Edward H. Bates, who passed away in October 2004. They were married since 1946 and formerly lived in Danbury, Brookfield and New Milford. She was the youngest child of seven born to Louis and Rosalia Arva Ivansco of Danbury. She attended Morris Street School and graduated Danbury High in 1941.
In her early years, she worked for Eastern Photo Service, Sturdevant's Photo, Gilbert & Bennett, G-Town, Whelan's Drugstore and Wibling Mfg. in Danbury. She also took in foster children for Catholic Charities in the late 50s and early 60s. She had her own typing business at home for many years, typing manuscripts for numerous area authors.
She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, the Scott-Fanton Museum; a former trustee of the New Milford Historical Society; and a founding member of the Friends From Home group from Brookfield, which kept in touch with local servicemen away from home.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Church in New Milford.
Survivors include her children, E. "Shasta" Bates, Judith Douglas and husband Rick of Chester; Deborah Berrill and husband Tom of Bristol and Stephen Bates and his wife Fran of Alto, N.M. Grandchildren are Allen Luke of West Virginia, Nicholas Campbell of Texas, Hope Berrill of Bristol and Kimberly, Samantha and Stephen Dakota Bates of New Mexico. Also two great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Justin Luke; a sister, Barbara Repko of Florida and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was a wonderful, giving person, a great organizer and a friend to all who knew her.
A small prayer service will be held at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge St., New Milford, Friday August 11 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a ringing of bells from her extensive bell collection as per her wishes at the New Milford Center Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the New Milford Historical Society of Our Lady of the Lakes Chapel.