Obituary of Jean H. Gates

Belchertown -Jean H. (Pera) Gates, 88, passed away August 21, 2021, at Heritage Hall North with her family by her side. She was born on November 22, 1932, in Springfield, MA to George and Elsie (Stewart) Pera. Jean has lived in Belchertown since 1955 and was a member of the Belchertown Congregational Church. She was also a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She worked alongside her late husband, Edward at the family business Gates Garage for 32 years as the "unofficial goffer". In her leisure she enjoyed needle point, reading, playing cards, camping and making cookies for her children and grandchildren's birthdays. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her 3 children, James Gates (Mary), David Gates and Laura Clark (Greg) all of Belchertown. She also leaves her 7 precious grandchildren, Joshua, Tamra, Cynthia, Karen, Katelyn, Michael and Daniel and 4 great grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward Gates in 2006, 2 sisters, Pauline and Doris and her daughter in law, Cheryl Gates. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11th from 10:00am-11:45 am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a Nile service at 11:45am and then funeral service at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Daughter of the Nile, Ahlem Temple No. 84, (all donations go to the Shriners Hospital) 146 Celebration Circle, Chicopee, MA 01020.