Gates, Patricia M.

Life Story

It is with great sadness the family of Patricia M. Gates announces her death at the age of 85. Patricia died peacefully on September 29, 2017 surrounded by family.

Patricia spent her professional life as a Nurse working in hospitals, nursing homes, School Nursing and completing her long career at the Rochester Psychiatric Center in Rochester.  

Pat spent many years serving as a docent at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester.  She loved sharing her passion for animals and educating visitors at the zoo about the importance of animal conservation.   Her grandchildren spent many afternoons with grandma exploring the zoo (especially the elephants).  She was thrilled to travel to Africa with friends of the zoo to see the animals in their natural habitat.  

Pat was also a long time volunteer for the Fairport School District receiving the volunteer of the year award in 2013.  Pat had a beautiful voice and she sang her entire life.  She was active in local barbershop groups, musical theater and later with the Perinton Senior Chorus.  

Pat especially loved being involved in the lives of her grandchildren.  She attended many school concerts, sporting events, graduations, weddings and was able to welcome a great granddaughter into the family last year.  

Patricia is survived by her children, Lori (Bob) Bowerman, Richard (Lynn) Gates, Nancy (Jim) Gould, and Raymond (Karen) Gates.  She is survived by 6 Grandchildren Carolyn (Mike) Osterhout, Christine Bowerman, Taylor & Paige Gould, Raymond and Johnathan Gates, as well as one great grandchild Emma Osterhout.

Private services will be held for the family. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester, NY and Lollypop Farm.    

 Obituary

Penfield: Passed away September 29, 2017. Predeceased by former husband, Richard T. Gates. Survived by her children, Lori (Robert) Bowerman, Richard (Lynn), Nancy (James) Gould, Raymond (Karen), grandchildren, Carolyn (Mike), Christine, Taylor, Paige, Raymond, Johnathan, and great-granddaughter, Emma. Pat had a passion for animals and loved to volunteer her time at the Seneca Park Zoo. She also loved to sing, especially with the Fairport senior chorus. Services are private, at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may donate to the Seneca Park Zoo or to Lollypop Farm in Pat’s memory. Please visit keenanfuneralhomes.com to read Pat’s life story.