Marie Louise Bates

Marie Louise Bates, 91, passed away on May 16, 2017. Born October 14, 1925, in Newark, NJ, the daughter of the late Francis John and Ruth C. Curley of Milton, MA. Marie was predeceased by her husband, Charles W. Bates, and is survived by her daughter, Alison C. Bates (Scott Butler) of Brookhaven, GA, her son Chip Bates (Gina) of Atlanta, GA and grandchildren Pearson and Regan Bates and Will Butler. Marie was a career woman early in her life, and met her future husband Charles at the John Hancock Company. They moved to Atlanta in 1959, where her work enabled her to memorize all the counties in GA—a fact she was quite proud of. After the arrival of her children, Marie still found time to work at the Notre Dame book store, captain her tennis team and volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, as well as be Girl Scout Leader and Team Mom for multiple sports teams of her children. Marie was known for her discretion---she was the person her friends could always go to. Although she left the role of “life of the party” to her husband, she was always there supporting her children’s activities from sports to band. Marie and Charles enjoyed traveling together, and later Marie traveled frequently with her children. She never lost her love of the piano or of solving the daily crossword puzzle. Once grandchildren came, Marie took an active role in babysitting, whether she liked it or not! Marie loved her family dearly and was extremely proud of her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. Although we will sorely miss her, we were fortunate for her long life and are comforted that she is reunited with her true love, Charles. Visitation will be held Friday night, May 19, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2885 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, at 2 pm, also at IHM Church. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Catholic Family Charities, 2401 Lake Park Drive, SE. Smyrna, GA 30080.