Obituary Detail


Eileen Marie Gates - 53
3/12/1956 - 2/11/2010

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home-Somonauk- -
Eileen Marie (Corrigan) Gates, 53, of Sandwich, Illinois passed away Thursday, February 11, 2010 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 12, 1956 in Ottawa, IL the daughter of Vern and Mary Ellen (Seibert) Corrigan. Eileen was united in marriage to Donald Gates Jr. on February 5, 1977 and they spent the next 33 years happy together. Eileen was employed as Administrator at Shabbona Healthcare Center for the last 9 years. She especially enjoyed bowling, gardening, fishing, “shopping” with her sister, and spoiling her grandchildren with love and attention. Eileen’s love and affection and willingness to help any and all will be greatly missed. She is referred to as Ma Gates by many and will have a place in our hearts forever.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Donald Gates Jr. of Sandwich; her children Dawn (Donald) Lawton, of Cortland, Lisa Gates (Miguel Barrera) of Westchester, Stephen Gates (Jennifer Butterfield) of Leland, Nicole Gates of Sandwich, and Crystal (Justin) Pennington of Leland; grandchildren Hannah and Emily Williams, Jeffrey Lawton, Brynn and Landon Pennington, Nathan Barrera and beloved cat Reno. She is also survived by her mother Mary Ellen Thompson of Ottawa and her father Vern (Mary Ellen) Corrigan of Ottawa; her mother-in-law Patricia Gates of Somonauk. Surviving siblings include Mary Ann (Robert) Bauer of Earlville, Greg Thompson of Peru, and Rosemary Gerding of Ottawa, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; brother Frank Corrigan and father-in-law Donald “Pinky” Gates; brothers-in-law, Jon and Michael Gates; sisters-in-law, Debra Roberts and Kathryn Gates.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 15, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, IL with Reverend Thomas Brantman officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery rural Somonauk, IL. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. For more information or to sign the online guest book go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. RT 34
Somonauk, IL 60552
(815) 498-2363

Visitation:
2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m.

Service:
10:00 a.m., Monday, February 15, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, IL

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Visitor Comments
Ma Gates was a wonderful person inside and out. She would do anything for anyone without questions asked. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Mary Oleson
2/11/2010 2:07 PM
 
Ma Gates was a wonderful person inside and out. She would do anything for anyone without questions asked. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Mary Oleson
2/11/2010 2:08 PM
 
To the Gates Family, Let the love surround you, feel the arms around you of God, family and friends. Our deepest sympathy.
John Jamie Carter
2/11/2010 2:52 PM
 
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ma Gates was a wonderful giving person and as you all go on without her may you hold your memories and love close to you. She will be with you all every minute of every day. Bob & Terri Hanson
Bob & Terri Hanson
2/11/2010 5:11 PM
 
My Thoughts and Prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow!!! Our Deepest sympathy!! Momma Gates you will truely be missed!! You were a great mother and friend!!!! Love Katie (Martin) Holdiman
Katie Holdiman
2/11/2010 5:14 PM
 
My deepest condolences to the entire family for your loss. Mama Gates was a wonderful woman!
Julie Bobee
2/11/2010 5:14 PM
 
To the entire Gates Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God be with you.
The Ted Smith Family
2/11/2010 5:35 PM
 
Mama Gates was an amazing person and will forever be in our hearts and wonderful memories! She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Patrick & Amanda Torman
2/11/2010 6:06 PM
 
Eileen was a such a caring and genuine person. She was a great role model and could always make me laugh. It was an honor to know Eileen and call her "Friend". My deepest sympathy to all her family. Sincerely,
Janet Baker
2/11/2010 6:19 PM
 
To Nikki and your family: I'm very truly sorry for your loss of your mother. I'm also grateful I got to work w/ her and you at SHCC for three years. If you need anything; just ask me. I'm here for you. Now, your mother is at peace and she'll greatly be missed everywhere. I will never forget her or you or your family. My thoughts & prayers and love are with you all at this time. Take care of each other and love one other. I'll always consider Eileen as great friend; besides being my boss for 3 years at SHCC. God bless you all.
Heather Butts
2/11/2010 6:51 PM
 
Gates Family~ I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother your family will be in my thoughts and prayers Romo-Reiss family
Patty
2/11/2010 8:44 PM
 
To Hannah W., I am sorry for your lost of your Grandma and we will all miss her, Hope you and your family are doing well through this tuff time for you and all of us. I know for one thing she will be missed very badly. Love Caitlyn N.
Caitlyn N.
2/11/2010 9:55 PM
 
My deepest sympathy to the Gates family. My prayers that the love and support of friends and family will help you through this painful time. God Bless.
Mary (Gudmunsen) Long
2/11/2010 10:37 PM
 
I am so very sorry to hear about Eileen's passing. I have nothing but wonderful memories of her - she always had a big smile and bigger laugh for everyone. She was a wonderful person. You are in my prayers. Becky
Becky (Jacobson) Bonneau
2/11/2010 10:39 PM
 
My deepest sympathy to the Gates. I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. When I think of Mrs. Gates I remember her infectious smile! May you find comfort in all of your memories with her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Holly (Michael) Martin
2/11/2010 11:51 PM
 
We are very sad to hear of her passing. Janeen's father, Bill Tellefson was at the Shabbona facility two times before he passed away, so we know how well she did her job. She will be missed by many.
Mr. and Mrs. Duane Hoadley
2/12/2010 8:35 AM
 
We are very sorry for your loss Eileen was a very special person she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Garry Miller Family
2/12/2010 9:17 AM
 
we stopped bowling last year. went out with a bang. we will miss tuesday nights, now more than ever. However, we give thanks to Eileen for each and every Tuesday night for the talks and the laughter that she gave us. Nikki and Crystal you both were a part of that. Elieen was, is, and always be kind, caring, giving, and full of Greatness. Eileen was dedicated to so much Family, Friendship, Work, bowling and the list goes on. And She will too, in our hearts ,thoughts, and memories. Our deeoest sympathy and thoughts to the family.
Elaine, Lil and Angel
2/12/2010 9:23 AM
 
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I graduated High School with Eileen. I have good memories of Eileen. A quick story. I had a dear friend who was in a nursing home from MS. I visited him when ever I came home to visit. I discovered Eileen was on staff at the home. It gave me great comfort to know Eileen was one of his care givers. Over the yearsI became certain his life was better because my friend was there helping him. I learn some of the best lessons in life by the GREATNESS of others. Thank you Eileen for the lessons.
Mark Hoadley
2/12/2010 9:56 AM
 
Gates Family, We are so sorry to hear of Eileen's passing. She always had a smile on her face & you all were so important to her. When we were still doing our "Girls Night Out" you were on her mind & she had stories to tell about her family. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
The Garry Ohme Family
2/12/2010 11:13 AM
 
To the entire Gates family, Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. We're truely sorry to hear about your loss. Eileen was the rock of your family, she was so strong and caring! We know she will forever be loved and remembered by many. We pray for peace and healing as you continue to move forward in life. May you keep your precious family memories dear and close to your hearts always. Please know that our family is here for your family any time! Sincerely, The Blanquet Family.
Veronica Blanquet Frieders
2/12/2010 11:51 AM
 
To Mary Ann and Bob Bauer, Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your sister. I know that will always cherish the memories of your vacations and fun times out with Eileen and Don. We all know that we are so very lucky to have you both in our lives, you've always been there for us all! We know you aren't the kind of people who ask for anything but please let us be there for you! You are both the most caring people we know. We love you both so much! Twanna, Veronica, Steve, Jayden, Grace, Andrew, Celso, Denise, Christian, Faith, Sean, Linda, Angelo and Janessa.
Veronica Blanquet Frieders
2/12/2010 12:03 PM
 
Dear Gates Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I became aquainted with Eileen while a Girl Scout leader in Somonauk. We worked on Day Camp and other scouting projects together. The adults seemed to have as much fun as the girls did on our scouting adventures. Her smile and pleasant personality was always present. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Karen Wasson
Karen Wasson
2/12/2010 12:11 PM
 
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll always remember Eileens infectous smile. She was such a kind person and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you all...
Sue Keenan
2/12/2010 12:32 PM
 
I am sorry to the family for your loss.
Rebecca Hinman
2/12/2010 1:38 PM
 
Don & kids & grandkids, my prays are with you all.
Bob Atwell
2/12/2010 1:54 PM
 
Nickie and Family, Im very sad to hear about the loss of your mother. So many times we enjoyed taking a qwick break together on the patio at SHCC. She taught me alot about being a good aide. I will think of her with fond memories always. God Bless your family.
Pam Breese
2/12/2010 3:09 PM
 
Crystal & family. Our deepest sympathy to you at this very sad time for all of you. You're in our prayers.
Chuck & Rita Burnam
2/12/2010 5:10 PM
 
Dear Gates Family, I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
Kristal Ross
2/12/2010 11:30 PM
 
Our prayers go out to the entire family.Sorry for you loss what a wonderful lady!
Brad & Cheryl Land
2/13/2010 9:47 AM
 
Don, My thoughts and paryers are with you and your family. Eileen was a special person. She will be missed by many.
Kay Flavin
2/13/2010 12:34 PM
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. She was such a special person and touched so many people. She will truly be missed. We received this poem during our loss and wanted to share it with your family. Our guardian angel will always be in our hearts. To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say... but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you." It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too... that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain." And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Karen
2/13/2010 5:45 PM
 
Dear Don and family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Nancy Brown
2/13/2010 7:09 PM
 
Deepest sympathies from the Quilting Board.
Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
2/14/2010 10:19 AM
 
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at the loss of your Mother (Quilting board member)
"Up North"
2/14/2010 10:47 AM
 
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, she sounds like a beautiful person. All my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, from another quiltingboard.com member.
Esqmommy
2/14/2010 11:25 AM
 
I'm so sorry about your mother's passing, but as you said, now she isn't suffering. She sounds like she was a beautiful person inside and out.
pocoellie
2/14/2010 12:29 PM
 
Don and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Eileen as she was a wonderful and caring lady. We enjoyed bowling with you two. Eileen had a wonderful sense of humour. She has touched so many people with her caring personality. We are honored to have called her our friend.
John, Kathy Todd
2/14/2010 12:41 PM
 
I am so sorry to hear of your momos passing...thoughts and prayers with you all at this time...... a fellow quilting board member, Bill Montreal, Canada
lockeb
2/14/2010 1:01 PM
 
Don and family, you are in our prayers...We will miss Eileen she also had a smile usually a joke, she was a very caring person who will me missed by many; she has touched many peoples lives with the work she has done and her volunteering....
Beth & Swanie Swanson
2/15/2010 4:11 PM
 
Don and family, We will always remember her smiling face, sense of humor with her wonderful laugh. May her gift of life shine within you. So sorry for her suffering, Thank God there is peace.
Joe & Brenda Walz
2/15/2010 8:13 PM
 
Dawn and family- I was so very sorry to hear about Ma's passing. I know you are missing her and hurting, but remember the laughter and love she had for all of you. I know she will be watching over all of you still. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Sherida
Sherida (Kolar) Williams
2/16/2010 1:36 PM
 
I was a part of the class of '74 at Leland with Eileen and I also had classes with Don in Somonauk! Eileen was a lovely person...always upbeat, happy and kind. She was also extremely bright, a quick study in learning new things. I always knew she'd be successful, and from reading the wonderful comments about her in these tributes, she certainly was. Thanks for all the lives you touched, Eileen. You will be greatly missed. Linda Anderson Schielke
Linda Anderson Schielke
2/16/2010 2:12 PM
 
Gates Family, As you know i had the pleasure to work with Eileen and spend time with the family for years. Sorry to hear about your loss and i will keep the family in my prayers.
Desiree' Schillaci
2/19/2010 10:11 AM
 
Don and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss, please accept my sympathy
Linda Smith MIller
2/24/2010 4:45 PM
 
Don and Family,Eileen was an awesome persons,She will be Greatly missed. Love an Hugs to You and Your Family.
Tom/Leanne
2/25/2010 8:02 AM
 

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