BANGOR – Virginia B. Bates, 77, died May 3, 2004, at her residence with her husband, Wendell R. Bates; daughter, Diane; granddaughter, Heather and great-grandson, Drew, by her side. She was born May 7, 1926, in Bangor, the daughter of Howard and Esther (Gray) Simpson. Virginia had struggled at home with the care of her family for the last five years. She was a true lady who gave to everyone around her. To everyone who knew her she was “Ginny” but to her loved ones she was Mom, Nan, Grammy and wife. In addition to her husband, she is survived by six children, Michael and his wife, Mary, David and his wife, Cora, Mark and his wife, Jane, Jon and his wife, Del, a daughter, Dianne and last but not least, Peter. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Eric, Billy, Jeff, Heather, Allison, and Megan; four grand babies, all of whom she loved dearly. God has our love and has finally made her all of our angel. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2004, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 7, with the Rev. Peter Sprague, pastor of the Columbia Street Baptist Church, officiating. Gifts in Virginia’s memory may be sent to the Senior Companion Program, 5717 Corbett Hall, Room 301, Orono, ME 04469-5717
VIRGINIA B. BATES
