Southwick-Jeannine (Tellier) Gates, 81, died Friday, January 11, 2019 in a local nursing home. She was born in Willimantic, CT, attended local schools and was a 1955 graduate of Windham High School. She was a bank teller for Ct. Bank and Trust and was a telephone 0perator for New England Telephone Co. She lived in S. Windsor Ct for many years before moving to Southwick in 2000. She was a member of New Life Christian Center in Westfield. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her church family. Jeannine was pre-deceased by her husband of 16 years Ernest A. Gates. She leaves her daughter Michele Tougas of Vernon, CT, her step-daughters Laurie Gates of Marion, Indiana, Holly Smith of Seminole, FL and Cathy Bumgardner of Safford, AZ. She also leaves 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, her sister in-law Carol Tellier of Coventry, CT. and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 2 brothers 4 step-brothers and 1 step-sister. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 16th at 11 am in the New Life Center, 157 Dartmouth Street, Westfield, MA. Burial will be held in the spring in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the church from 4-7 pm on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the New Life Center in Westfield.
