Mary Bates

Mary Bates was a remarkable woman with a love for music who spent her life tenderly caring not only for her beloved family, but also for the many patients under her care throughout her career.

Mary’s story began on January 26, 1926 in Solvay, New York. Her parents, Anthony and Mary (Patelina) Rondinella, were thrilled for the welcome addition to their bustling family. These were largely prosperous times in America as business was booming and industry was expanding to meet the needs of growing technology. Mary was raised as the youngest of five children in her family which included her half brother and sister. She was raised in the Syracuse area of New York throughout her formative years, and New York was also where she met the love of her life, Theodore Bates.

After dating for a time, Mary and Theodore were married in New York, and they were soon blessed with the births of two children: Lynne and Gary. In 1952, their young family moved to Douglas, Michigan, as Theodore found work helping build the Old Allegan Road, which is now known as M-89. Once in Michigan, their family grew to include their daughter Kathy and with her birth, the Bates family was complete. Mary viewed raising her children to be of the utmost importance, and she ruled the house in a strict manner that helped shape her children into the wonderful adults they one day became. As adults, her children have also grown to appreciate the way their mother raised them as well.

In addition to caring for her family, Mary worked diligently to become an LPN, and she worked for over 30 years as a nurse at the Douglas Community Hospital. She also spent some time in surgery training at Holland Hospital. Not only did Mary find her career to be fulfilling, but it also became a way that she supported herself and her family when her beloved Theodore died in 1967. Following her official retirement, she worked for the Saugatuck Drug Store for a short time.

One of Mary’s greatest passions was for music. She loved to dance and sing, and spent many evenings at the infamous Big Pavilion in Saugatuck until it burned down in 1960. Faith was an important part of Mary’s life, and she attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Douglas.

In so many ways, Mary Bates brought joy and happiness to all those within her reach. She was devoted to her family and dedicated to her job, but she loved having a good time too. Mary leaves behind a colorful mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished by all those she leaves behind.

Mary Bates died on September 12, 2009. Mary’s family includes her children, Lynne (Carl) Postma, of Fennville, Gary (Kathie) Bates, of Fennville, and Kathy Bates (Martin Peirce), of Douglas; granddaughter, Wendy Derks, of Arkansas; 4 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; sister Carmella (John) Woodridge; niece, Karen (Stu) Eddy; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, 11:00am, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Douglas. Visit with Mary’s family and friends on Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m. at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes – Saugatuck Chapel – Saugatuck, MI, 520 Lake St. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.