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In Memory

Jean Inglefield (Gates) - Class Of 1943 VIEW PROFILE

Jean Inglefield (Gates)

Jean I. (Inglefield) Gates

February 26, 1925 ~ January 16, 2022 (age 96)

Jean Inglefield Gates, long time South Bend resident, passed away on January 16.

Jean was the loving wife of Van E. Gates and sister of Joanne Schaller, Knoxville, TN.  She was also the mother of four children, including Larry Gates (Jan) and Bonnie Shaffer (Harry) of Cassopolis, MI.; William Gates (Susan) of South Bend; and Katherine Miller (Douglas) of Reisterstown, Maryland.  She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.  She loved her family first and foremost and helped train and instill loving values in them.

Jean was born in Chicago, IL., on February 26, 1925, The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Inglefield. A few years later they moved to South Bend, and she attended Jefferson School and graduated from John Adams High School in the class of 1943. From there, she attended Northwestern University studying elementary education.

She met the love of her life, Van Gates, at Northwestern where he was training to be a naval officer.

They were married at the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend on June 15, 1946, after Van served in World War II.

They have lived in South Bend for all of their lives from a tiny apartment on W. Washington St., to Burcliff, to Twyckenhan Hills, Ridgedale, and currently in Holy Cross Village.

Jean and Van had a special loving relationship and marriage, and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in June, 2021.  They were best friends doing community activities and enjoying life with their family.  Jean received many civic awards and was a big support for Van in his work at the Gates Automotive dealerships.

Jean’s interests in addition to her family were hospitality, entertaining, teaching, travel, skiing, bridge club, and civic work for many organizations such as the Junior League of South Bend, Camp Milhouse, and others. She was a teacher in the Headstart program at First Presbyterian church. She has been a member of the church for over 80 years and the church has always been the focus of her love of God.  

She was loved by all her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed planning special events for them. Christmas, July 4th, and birthdays were fully celebrated at large family gatherings and were very special moments for her and everyone around her.

Jean was a wonderful woman, a role model for all who knew her. And family and friends could trust and admire her for her principles, graciousness, and hospitality. Her loved ones are happy and confident that she now rests in God’s loving arms.

Family and friends will be greeted at the First Presbyterian Church, 333 W.  Colfax Ave., South Bend, on Saturday, January 22 starting at 1:30 PM in the social hall.  The funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 PM. Parking is available behind the church or on the street. Interment will take place following the service at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.  In concern for everyone’s health, the church asks that everyone in attendance would wear a mask.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 East Colfax, South Bend, IN 46617; or the First Presbyterian Church. Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

1/20/2022 EJS



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