Claire A. (Kaeble) Gates, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 2, 2021. She was born on April 28, 1933 in Chicopee, a daughter of the late Wilfred H. and Margaret A. (St. Cyr) Kaeble. Claire worked as a machine operator for Spaulding’s for many years before she retired. She was the housekeeper at the former St George Parish for many years also. She enjoyed reading, cross stitching and playing card games but above all, she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Leonard R. Gates who passed away in 2005. She is also predeceased by her son Wayne Gates, a daughter Geraldine Gates, her brother Arthur Kaeble and by her three sisters, Bernice, Geraldine and Gertrude. She is survived by her beloved son Stuart Gates of Ipswich, MA; 4 daughters, Donna Foley of Ipswich, Mary Ann Crossman of Chicopee, Sandra Aldrich and her husband Bruce of Amherst and Lori Gates of Chicopee. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee with a Prayer Service starting at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.Stjude.org.