Rowena J. Bates

Rowena J. Bates, age 95, died October 19, 2016, in Columbia, Tennessee after many years of living with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Her love of Vermont, her home, family and friends, and her late husband, Guy W. Bates, were always with her. Even on her worst days, the photo of Guy in his WWII Navy uniform brought a smile to her face. They came through the depression and the war as part of our “greatest generation”. Together they enjoyed gardening, antiquing, travel, and Rowena was a terrific cook.

Rowena was known as “Rena” to the professional community of greater Burlington, Vermont where she worked as a manager of McAuliffe’s Office Supply for twenty-five years. She loved her job; and made many friends with her customers and the staff. Her memories of McAuliffe’s stayed with her until her death.

Guy died in 1976. He was a well-known building contractor, a Mason and a Shriner. Together they built their home after WWII that Rowena lived in until age 88, when her illness forced a move to be near family for full-time care. She was able to remain in her home as long as she did due to the kindness and help of her family, Jerry and Nancy Bates, grandson, Thomas J. Hackett; and her friends and neighbors Louise Plouffe, Sandy (O’Brien) Lee, and Corine Canfield.

In Tennessee, Rowena had the care of Dr. Rodney Poling; Dr. Emilio Rodriguez, her son-in-law; and Core Physicians. The excellence of her care allowed her to continue enjoying an active lifestyle with pleasant surroundings and her own things. She felt at home, safe, and usually had a smile for everyone. Rowena loved Bingo, and often won; she also joined “any” church service; music; even some dancing; fun seasonal parties; a ride in our annual Mule Day Parade; and her photo in our local paper, repeatedly, while sharing an activity with local children and/or musicians giving their time and talents to the elderly. She maintained her quick wit and love of being with people in spite of her illness. She had bad times, but bounced back.

She didn’t remember what she had for lunch, but didn’t feel hunger –
She didn’t remember names, but felt the warmth of friendship.
In a disaster torn world, her world was one of care and peacefulness.

Rowena was born on November 20, 1921 to Henry and Mabel (Greenwood) Monette in East Highgate, Vermont She was one of the youngest in a large family; educated in Underhill, Vermont where her family lived for many years. She was predeceased by her entire family; as well as her husband’s family. She remained close to her brother-in-law, H. Eugene Mason (Mattie Bates) and her sister-in-law, Bette Bates (David) who visited her in Tennessee on her 90th birthday.
Rowena was predeceased by her son, Gerald F. Bates (Nancy), and by her granddaughter Jessica Bates Lamphere (Mike). She leaves behind a great-grandson Jacob Lamphere; and another granddaughter Jennifer Bates Safford (Charles) and two great-grandchildren, Grace and Daniel Safford.

Rowena also leaves behind her daughter, Jean Bates Rodriguez (Emilio J. Rodriguez, M. D. “Tony”) and grandsons, Todd, Timothy, Thomas Hackett and 6 great-grandchildren, Julia, Ethan, Mia, and Sophia Hackett and Laura and Lisa Zhou-Hackett. Rowena’s grandsons and great-grandchildren also visited her several times in Tennessee. She also had numerous nieces and nephews.

Rowena will be buried with her late husband, Guy W. Bates, at Morse Cemetery, in Williston, Vermont; with a memorial service at a later date.

Her family are grateful for the years we have had and the care she received. A special thank you to those who devote themselves to Alzheimer’s care; and to the “Gardens” and Avalon Hospice.
The family suggest memorials be made to The Shriner’s Hospital or any organization of your choice.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.williamsfh.com .