Margaret Ann Bates

Margaret A. Bates, 81, a long-time resident of San Diego, died Thursday, the 28th of May at the Elmcroft of Las Villas Del Norte Assistive Living Retirement Community. Born on September 2, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, Margaret received her High School Degree and then went to Hofstra University with some education before she went and graduated at the Katherine Gibbs Academy. On September 1, 1933, she was married to Richard G. Bates in Pennsylvania. They have 3 children. They were married for 58 years. She worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant for 30 years. She was very involved in advocacy to improve legislation for public school education for disabled children. Margaret was the first President for New York State of Hearing Impaired children. She advocated improving equal access and education for deaf and hard of hearing children in New York State public schools system. She was on the New York State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She worked closely with Governor Mario Cuomo of New York to enhance adequate education for disabled children. She was on the Board of Trustees for the People to People International founded by President Eisenhower. She traveled all over the world to learn about international understanding and friendships, tolerance and world peace between people of all nations. She was awarded the People to People Award for her distinguished work she has done for many causes including deaf education. She was also the member of the Woman Diamond Gateway Organization in San Diego. Many people said she touched their lives and her gift was she cared so much for people. She leaves her beloved husband, Richard G. Bates, her daughter Kathy Bates-Polster and her son, Michael Bates. She also leaves her brother, William Marsh, her sister, Joan McIlvaine, her daughter-in-law, Lynne Bates, her son-in-law, Adam Polster, her grandchildren, Mariah Polster and Claire Bates, her step grandchildren, Madison Ann Davenport, Devin Davenport, Jordan Drumheller, her nieces and her nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Richard Bates Jr, and her grand-daughter, Megan Bates. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a great friend. In lieu of flowers, the Bates Family suggests memorial contributions be made in honor of Mrs. Margaret A. Bates to the Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp