Jacqueline Gates Obituary

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI - Surrounded by the love of family, Jacqueline Jackie Jeanne Gates (ne Bussiere), aged 85, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on January 25, 2025 at Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Coventry, Rhode Island.

Jackie was preceded in death by her dear son, Thomas Gates and sister, Murial Martin.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1939 to Aurel and Antoinette Bussiere (nee Bouchard), and then relocating with her young family to Tiverton, Rhode Island, Jackies bustling, childhood family included siblings Aurel Bussiere, Theresa Noel (Robert), Murial Martin, and Diane Leonardo (Richard). She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Fall River in 1958.

On July 4, 1962, Jackie married the love of her life and best friend, William Bill Gates, settling in North Kingstown, RI. The devoted mother of Timothy (Melinda), Thomas (Mary) and Christopher (Heather), Jackie kept a loving, beautiful home while also holding management positions, sharing her meticulous organizational prowess, eventually managing a law firm in Providence, Rhode Island until her retirement.

A devoted Mmre to Theresa Lane (John), Robert Gates (Alexandra), Kevin Gates (Mary Helen), Daniel Gates (Amber), Juliana Diemer (Andrew), Katherine McArthur (Spencer), James Gates, Colleen Gates, and Paul Gates, Jackie and Bill enjoyed travelling to visit their children and grandchildren, eventually welcoming great grandchildren to their growing family. Jackie is also survived by and will be greatly missed by her nieces and

nephews, many friends and neighbors.

Not one to sit still, Jackie enjoyed an active retirement embracing her many talents and hobbies including sewing, painting, cooking, gardening, home decorating and caring for her beloved dogs, enjoying daily walks and car rides with Bill and their pups. Jackie and Bill were avid, lifelong sailors, enjoying many days of maintaining their sailboat and relaxing adventures together on the sea.

Committed to her faith and a life of service in the name of Jesus, Jackie was a dedicated member of Saint Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in North Kingstown. Serving the Church in several capacities over the years, Jackie's most recent and perhaps most fulfilling role was as a member of the Legion of Mary, where her and Bill worked tirelessly in service of others.

A visitation will be on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 9am 11am in the Fagan Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown, RI followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm, noon, in St Francis de Sales Church, 381 School St, North Kingstown. She will be privately interred at the RI Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.