Obituary: Mary E. (Hickson) Bates, 70, of Marblehead

Mary E. (Hickson) Bates, 70, of Marblehead, passed away on May 6, 2014 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness. She was the wife of Douglas A. Bates with whom she shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Medford, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rita (Mcodan) Hickson.

Raised and educated in Arlington, she was a graduate of Arlington High School. Mary worked as a home health aide in greater Marblehead for many years. She also worked twenty years as a luncheon cashier at the Coffin and Bell schools in Marblehead, and for a short time worked in the mutual fund division at the State Street Bank in Boston.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband and his family, but summers and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH were special to her. Mary loved animals especially her cats. She was also a very good dancer.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister Barbara of Marblehead; three nieces; and the Bates Clan.

A celebration of life will be held at the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead on Saturday, May 10 at 1PM. Relatives and friend respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. Please visit the online guestbook atwww.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com