Obituary of Shirley Ann Bates

Shirley Ann Toland Bates passed peacefully to the next life on August 15, 2015 with her children at her side. She was born in Erie on December 15, 1934, the daughter of the late Joseph F. Toland and Laura Gable Toland. She graduated from Academy High School in 1952. She worked several office jobs before working at Erie Technological Products, Inc., Comptech, Inc., and Harrington Laundry. She was the best of workers and proud of the fact that she was able to work a full time job until she was seventy-four years old. Shirley was an avid supporter of the Salvation Army. She loved playing bingo, any card game, and going to the casino, whether in Las Vegas or Erie, and despite her two son’s best efforts, watching the Dallas Cowboys whenever they were on TV. She is survived by her five children she loved so much. Donald J. Bates (Kathleen) of Erie, David M. Bates (Maribeth) of Valencia, PA, Barbara E. Bates Baillargeon (Gary), of Pittsfield, MA, Laurie A. Bates Heintz (Greg) of Erie, and Patricia A. Bates Mangold of Palm Beach, FL. She also is survived by one sister, Irene Szybowski of Erie and one sister-in-law, Janet Toland of Erie. In addition she has ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her four sisters: Dorothy Mae Toland, Betty Jane Toland Gregor, Florenec Toland Parker, Sylvia Toland Keiper, and one brother, Ralph Toland. There will be a private service with interment to follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie Salvation Army, 1022 Liberty Street, Erie, PA 16502. Arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd.