GATES, Marian Helen Elizabeth - 69, of South Farmington, NS passed away Saturday, November 10, 2012 in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born in Wilmot, NS she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lillian (Durling) Crouse. In earlier years she worked for Department of Lands & Forest Nursery in Paradise. She loved playing the accordion and spent many years going to variety shows with her accordion and guitar. Marian enjoyed baking pies, bread and making pickles. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family. Marian devoted her life to raising her family and was a loving mother, wife and grandmother and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Gates (Darren Spidell), Clarence and Teresa Gates (Greg Turner), South Farmington and granddaughter Kendra Specht. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Merrill and brothers Roy and Donnie. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 3:00PM, Friday, November 23, 2012 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448 with Rev. Patty Beals officiating. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Lung Association of Nova Scotia or a Charity of Choice. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com