Judith Bates

Obituary of Judith A. Bates

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When Judith ("Judy") Pennell Bates married, built her home and moved to Amityville 70 years ago, she dreamed of filling up the location - which was until then an asparagus farm - with children, love and laughter. Most who knew her would agree she far surpassed that goal. Mrs. Bates died on June 15, 2011 at her home surrounded by family. She was 81. Born April 13, 1930 in Massapequa to Victoria ("Bicky") and Howard Pennell, Judy attended Fairfield Elementary School, Massapequa, Queen of the Rosary Academy, Amityville and The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Her mantra "life's a beach" hardly tells her whole story, although frequent excursions to Long Island's beautiful ocean beaches, book in hand (she read one a day), were among her life's passions. Still, for as much as she adored sea and sand, Judy's travel bug was evident in her well-worn Passport. She visited England, Ireland, Belgium, Canada, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, multiple Caribbean islands and U.S. states, including Alaska. She carved out time to be a dedicated tennis fan, a talented multi-media artist and superb bowler, having achieved a 263 average during her tenure as a member of Georgini's Bowling League in Amityville. Before her retirement at age 65, Judy worked as a recreational therapist with an emphasis on art, first at Brunswick Hospital, Amityville, then at Holliswood Hospital, Queens and also Psych Systems in Smithtown. She leaves behind six children, Janet Gambino of Ronkonkoma, Jean McGowan of Amityville, John Bates and his wife Margaret of Copiague, Jill Kissel and her husband Richard, Jennifer Pablo and her husband Gregory, Jeffrey Bates and his wife Diane, all of Amityville. She is also survived by one brother, Philip Pennell, and his wife Patricia of Victor, MO; seven grandchildren, Michael Kelly of Copiague, Christopher McGowan of Amityville, Alex Kissel of Amityville, Adam Bates of Copiague, Zachary Pablo of Amityville, Skye and Jaye Bates, both of Amityville, one great-grandson, Michael, of Copiague, and many friends and family members. Her life was a perfect balance of action, fun and happiness sprinkled with cherished moments of relaxation and creative pursuits. Her love and devotion to her family, both as individuals and en masse, was her greatest joy and true legacy. A memorial service will be held at Powell Funeral Home, 67 Broadway, Amityville on Sunday June 19th from 2pm-4:30 and 7pm to 9:30. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10am Monday, July 20th at St. Rose of Lima Church, 2 Bayview Avenue, Massapequa, New York.
Sunday
19
June

Visitation

2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Powell Funeral Home Inc.
67 Broadway
Amityville, New York, United States
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Judith Bates

In Loving Memory

Judith Bates

1930 - 2011

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