BATES
Frances "Frankie" Josephine
1949 - 2017
Frances "Frankie" Josephine Bates (nee Burchak) died peacefully in Innisfail, Alberta on June 29th at the age of 67, surrounded by her family.
Frankie is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Gavin Bates, her three sons Stephen Bates (Kim), Michael Bates (Alyssa), and Mark Bates (Sara Hornseth-Bates); her seven grandchildren Dustin, Kaylyn, Riley, Ellie, Turner, Tessa and Amelia; her brother Michael Burchak (Marylynne Stumpf); sisters Marla Greydanus (Jim), Jody Kyle, Tara Flaman (Dwane), and Tracy Williams (Troy); her aunt Renie Gross and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Frankie was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia on November 30th, 1949. She met Gavin and graduated high school in Strathmore, Alberta and then completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of Calgary. Frankie and Gavin were married on May 6th,1972 and settled the family in Innisfail in 1976, where they have lived for over 40 years.
Frankie devoted her life to her family and to serving the community at large. She spent countless hours at hockey rinks, ball diamonds, soccer fields, and golf courses with her children - a passion that continued with her grandchildren with whom she embraced her role as "Nana" - adopting her mother's name in the process. She volunteered her time for community sports, the food bank, local schools and various charities. For these efforts, Frankie received notable awards such as the Johns Manville Volunteer of the Year and the Vince Tedeschini Legacy Award. Frankie loved to travel and watch the wildlife on the lake and will be remembered most for her love of crafting, reading and baking - something that she loved to share with those around her.
A Celebration of Frankie's life will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch # 104, Innisfail, Alberta, on July, 7 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be sent to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre, 3942- 50 Ave. Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6R2 albertacancer.ca/donate/cancer-centres or the Innisfail Food Bank.
Frankie's family would like to thank Dr. Adam Hrdlicka and all of the staff at the Innisfail hospital, Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Central Alberta Cancer Centre who
provided her with exceptional care.
Also, thank you to all of the family members and friends who have supported Frankie and Gavin throughout her illness.