Frances Gates

Frances Carolyn Gates, a resident of Lamar, Missouri since 2004, and formerly of Fort Meyers, Florida, died January 23, 2013 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Born in Utica, New York on July 17, 1926, Fran was the first of three children of Edwin Augustus and Elizabeth Louise Babcock Gruppe.  Having moved to Fayetteville, New York in 1937, she graduated high school in 1944, received an Associate of Arts Degree from Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri in 1946, attended the University of Rochester 1946-47 and graduated from Syracuse University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. For 12 years, she was a participant in the Colgate Conferences on Foreign Policy, taking her place as a young woman along side many world leaders.  In the 1950’s she was the first chairperson of Syracuse University’s International Student Program and one of the founders of the Syracuse World Affairs Council. She held many offices in the Syracuse YWCA, including board member, finance chairperson and president.  She helped to establish and was treasurer of the Fayetteville Village Nursery School.  She also served as treasurer of Syracuse Meals on Wheels, the Dunbar Center Auxiliary, and the League of Women Voters and for six years, the United Church of Fayettevlle boards of deacons and elders.  She was a member of her church for nearly 50 years. Serving on the Board of Trustees of the Manlius Pebble Hill County Day School for 11 years, Fran served for three years as its first woman President.  She chaired the Admittance and Scholarship Committees and for a time served as acting Head of School.  Her interest in Pebble Hill School began as a parent, with her four children attending the school there, as had her husband, Daniel.  She received recognition in 1977 as a Friend of the School for her 20 years of participation and leadership. Although not well know, Fran played a critical role during a crucial Board of Trustees meeting specifically scheduled for the final discussion and individual Trustee vote on a motion to close the school, then facing seemingly insurmountable financial obstacles.  When all but three Trustees had voted for closure, Fern addressed the meeting with great passion and voted to remain open, convincing the remaining two to agree with her.  This was followed by a majority of the Board changing their votes and the School remains open and strong today.  It is difficult to measure the enormity of Fran’s gift to the Manlius Pebble Hill Community on that day, but her passion and commitment to the School has never been in doubt. Fran served six years as a member of the Stephen College Board of Curators and was active in founding the Alumni Fund Board, serving on it for six years, and was active in the design and implementation of the four-year Alumnae Scholarship Program Association Board, for which she organized alumnae conferences in locations throughout the United States. She was honored as a Syracuse Post Standard’s Woman of Achievement in Education in 1978.  She was a member of Coterie of Fayetteville and “The Monday Night Club”. Having enjoyed the extensive school and physical experiences of the above, in 1978 Fran launched a 15 year career in professional fund raising for non-profit organizations.  One of her first projects was with The Collegiate School in New York City as a Special Consultant in Development assisting in preparation of the Capital Fund Drive.  As she assumed successive projects each new group of volunteers found her combination of a “can-do” attitude and the confidence of her “been there” voice of experience were very helpful as they were about to take on new responsibilities.  Always a lady in poise and decorum, and always willing to lend a helping hand no matter how menial the task, she was liked and respected by her co-workers.  Fran had the genes, the intellectual curiosity, the drive, the tact, a phenomenal name recall, Gruppe and Gates multi-generational family support and the intelligence to employ all wisely. Fran is survived by her four children; Elizabeth Gates-Jobes III (Jack) of CA, Katherine O’Sullivan (Michael D.) of Lamar, MO Christopher Gates and Karl Gates of Chittenango, NY; five grandchildren, Michael, Shane and Keely O'Sullivan, Joshua and Jeremiah Gates; one brother, Edwin Babcock Gruppe (Ann) of Cazenovia, NY, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and by her friend and former husband, Daniel Gates of Chittenango, NY.  She was preceded by her parents and a younger sister Elizabeth Sotanski. A memorial service and interment will be in Fayetteville, NY  at a later date. Contributions are suggested to Stephens College in Columbia, MO in care of Daniel Funeral Home.