Blanche Kate GATES

BLANCHE KATE GATES

            With a profound sense that ‘it is finished’ our mother, grand, great and great great grandmother died on 9 May, 2023, two days after her 105th birthday.  Blanche Kate was the eldest child of Frank and Kate Gregory of Surrey, England.  She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Joan, and her beloved husband Reginald (d. 1994); survived by her sister Esme, sons Andrew (Lorraine), Graham (Susan, Lorraine) and David (Debra), eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

            Mum truly was a Christian lady who turned her hand to whatever was needed for her family to prosper.  She was much loved.

            Mum believed strongly that women should have a voice, and she used hers.  She often said that having raised three boys she had no difficulty dealing with the then all male House of Bishops.  After many years working in and around her church she was made a ‘Companion of the Worship Arts’(2018), a national Anglican/Lutheran award, and an Officer of the Order of the Diocese of British Columbia.

            Mum excelled in needlework, she was a quilter par excellence.  Many enjoy her church vestments, she made quilts for family and friends until she was almost 100 years old.

            Mum lived independently until the last two years when she was cared for so wonderfully at Woodgrove Manor.  Our family is eternally grateful to the staff for their wonderful care.

            There will be a service at St Paul’s, Nanaimo, on July 15 at 11:00 am.

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