Rose M. Gates, 87, a long-time resident of Nashua, NH, formerly of Hopkinton and NJ., died at her home in Nashua on December 17th. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY she was the daughter of the late James H. and Mary (Reilly) Burns. She attended schools in Brooklyn, and graduated High School there at the age of 16.
A homemaker most of her life, Rose was fiercely independent and active. However, her family was the central focus of her life. She was very proud of her 4 children and their spouses. “ Grammy Rose” was especially devoted to her 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She had a special, affectionate name for each of them and was happiest when speaking about their academic, athletic or professional accomplishments. She loved nothing more then gathering with them and sharing stories. Rose was also an avid gardener and in her senior years, became a loyal and knowledgeable fan of the Boston Red Sox and Bruins.
When not spending time with her family or maintaining her property Rose was an active volunteer at the St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Greenbriar Nursing Home, both in Nashua. Her warm personality, wit and sense of mischief brightened countless lives.
She was the beloved wife of the late Norbert “Bert” S. Gates and the late Richard LeMarbre, and the loving mother of Sharon V. O’Connor and her husband Charles of Winchester, Stephen Gates and his wife Andrea of Wakefield, Kathleen P Grass and her husband Peter of Southboro, and Gerald M. Gates and his wife Patricia of Princeton, MA. She was the sister of the late James Burns and Joan Boldish, and the loving cousin of Frederick Dedrick and Rosemary Reilly.
Her Funeral will be held from the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St. Winchester on Friday, December 22 @ 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church Winchester at 10AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting Hours are on Thursday 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s name may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1893 Memphis, TN 38101-9950.