Irene Gates

Irene Deborah Gates, 71, passed away unexpectedly on December 25th (Christmas) at her home in Port Richey, FL. Irene was a long time resident of Acton, ME, where she lived on Square Pond with her husband Mickey (Michael Gates). Irene enjoyed photography and entered many of her pictures into the Acton Fair. She proudly displayed the ribbons she won. She continued her love of photography to her home in Florida where she often took candid pictures of the residents. Irene's bigger than life personality left a lasting impression on everyone who came in contact with her. To know her was to love her. Her passing will leave a void in all of our hearts. Irene is predeceased by her husband, Michael (Mickey) L. Gates and her parents Henry & Gertrude Cutler. Survivors include her sister, Doreen Chassie and her husband Ivan; her brother David and his wife Joan; her brother Richard and his wife Suzanne; her three children, Beth Fichman Healy, Michael Fichman, Sr, and Jon Fichman. She leaves her grandchildren, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that she considered her extended family. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Acton, ME on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 AM "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear".Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.