In Loving Memory of Frona Gladys Gates (Bowlby)

August 15, 1945 – October 14, 2023

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce that Frona Gladys Gates (Bowlby) was called home to her Lord and Saviour on October 14, 2023 after a hard fought battle with cancer and strokes. She left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories, which will forever be etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Frona was born on August 15, 1945 to the late Vernon and Marrion Bowlby of Black Rock. She was a loving daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, who touched the lives of many with her warmth, generosity and unwavering compassion. Frona is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Carleton Irvine Gates (Aylesford); three children, son Douglas (Marianne) Gates, Port Williams; daughter Elizabeth Ward (George Wicks), Port Williams; son Craig Gates, Auburn; four grandchildren, Jason Ward, Halifax; Alyssa Ward, Kentville; Gillianne (Nicholas) Blanchard, Port Williams; and Johanna Gates, Port Williams; two great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Lyla Blanchard, Port Williams; sisters Hazel England, Port Williams; Phyllis (Lloyd) Legge, Lake Paul; Jeanie (Eric) Doyle, North Alton; two brothers Gordon (Diane), Joudrey Mountain; and Dale (Black Rock); sister in-laws Denise Smith, North Alton, Marion (Bob) Waddell, Toronto; and Doris Gates (Peter Thorpe), Dartmouth. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters; Verna Mae, Bertha, Lillian, and Beatrice; brothers Frank, Wesley, John, and Carl; sister-in- law Barb Gates; and brother-in-law John Gates.

Frona married Carl on May 19,1962 and they lived and raised their family in Port Williams. In 1996 Carl and Frona moved to Prince Edward Island where they planted orchards and established a market. They moved back to Nova Scotia in 2009 and settled in Aylesford where again, their green thumbs established a tree nursery farm. Frona was hard-working, dedicated and determined. She was a long time TOPS member and active in various church groups. She loved seeing and serving her church community. She was a generous soul who was always willing to help others.

A funeral service will be held at Aylesford Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 2:00 pm with a graveside burial to follow at Fox Hill Cemetery, Church Street, Port Williams. Pastor Patrick Gilbert officiating. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the burial at the home of Doug and Marianne Gates, 1269 Starrs Point Road, Port Williams. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free: 1-855-825-3448.

The family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals that assisted Frona during her illness at Valley Regional Hospital Foundation; Dixon Cancer Center; Yarmouth Regional Hospital; Soldiers' Memorial Hospital; and VON. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation. The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com