East Douglas
Joanne M. (Martinsen) Gates, 83, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of 53 years, Warren A. Gates died in 2007.
She leaves her six children; Robin A. Furno of Douglas, Gail M. Gates of Whitinsville, Star L. Curry and her husband Jack of Sutton, Elisa Benedetti and her husband Andrew of Douglas, Dale W. Gates and his wife Cheryl of Milford, and Scott L. Gates of Douglas, her grandchildren; Christopher, Kelley, Jordan and Marisa Curry, Alayna and Sara Benedetti, Michaela and Emmalee Gates.
Joanne was born August 18, 1930 in Webster, daughter of Otto W. and Florence E. (Weeks) Martinsen and grew up in Webster, graduated from Bartlett High School and U. Mass-Amherst, she was a homemaker and longtime substitute teacher in the Douglas school system.
Joanne was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family, listening to music, playing bingo at Foxwoods and vacationing in Maine with her husband and son Scott.
There are no calling hours.
A Memorial Service for Joanne will be Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the East Douglas United Methodist Church, 333 Main St., East Douglas. Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Webster.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: M.S.P.C.A.,350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. 02130 or to the East Douglas United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 822, East Douglas, MA. 01516.
THE ROBERT J.MILLER FUNERAL HOME AND LAKE CHAPEL, 366 school St., Webster is assisting Joanne’s family with arrangements.
On Line Guest Book: RJMillerfunerals.net