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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Jean A. Cates

Jean A. Cates, of Cokesbury Village, Hockessin, Delaware, passed away peacefully on October 29. She was 91.

A native of Wilmington, the former Jean Ann Dougherty graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School and attended Drexel University. In 1945, Jean joined Hercules Incorporated at the Hercules Research Center in Wilmington, where she met her future husband, Robert E. Cates. They married in 1951. She was a homemaker during their transfers to various parts of the country, finally settling back in Wilmington in 1967. Jean was Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, retiring in 1983. After she retired, she became a long-term volunteer at St. Francis Hospital. She also filled many volunteer positions at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, including establishing the Church Archives and serving as a Trustee. In 2005, Jean was awarded the Order of Merit by the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. Jean was also a Life Member of The Brandywiners, Ltd, served on the Board of Directors of St. Mark’s High School, and traveled extensively with Bob including traveling to Rome in 1997 to meet Pope John Paul II.

Jean is predeceased by her son, Thomas. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert, her sister Helen Miller of Rehoboth Beach, DE and three daughters: Ann Cates and her husband Ian Groundwater of Ashburn, VA; Linda Stull and her husband Mark of West Chester, PA and Hobe Sound, FL and Susan Forman and her husband Michael of Newark, DE. Jean is also survived by her daughter-in-law Janet Finlayson Cates of Newark, DE, 6 grandchildren (Annie-Laurie McCarthy, Sarah Waski, Casey Forman, Lauren Forman, Daniel Groundwater and Laura Groundwater) and 2 great-grandsons (Thomas McCarthy and Nathaniel McCarthy).

The family would like to thank the Cokesbury Village Nursing and Health Care staff and Compassionate Care Hospice for their love, kindness and compassionate care of Jean.

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Funeral Services

Visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday November 2, 2017 at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday November 3 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, DE with interment in the adjoining cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church.

Condolences

    The Hesch Family lit a candle and writes,
    Sue and Family- we are thinking of you all and sending prayers on the loss of your mother.
    11/01/2017 08:19 am
    The Markeys writes,
    Bob and family, Deepest sympathy from the Markeys. Your mom had a great sense of humor and we know she will be greatly missed. We have many fine memories of her and our mom having many good laughs at St. Joe's and beyond. Their friendship began back at A.I High School and continued for decades. Hoping the wonderful memories of her, and her many years of love and kindness carry you through this difficult time.
    11/01/2017 07:20 pm
    Rev. Willliam F Graney writes,
    Almost endless are the memory of Jean and her good works and on target comments. She served many a funeral at St. Joe's. But her significant faith helped her serve in many ways. Thanks for she and her husband have done. Bill Graney
    11/01/2017 08:35 pm
    Matt Marshall lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Cates Family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Jean. She was always very fun to be around. I loved how she would give me a “hard”time. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Matt Marshall
    11/01/2017 10:06 pm
    Saint Mark's High School lit a candle and writes,
    In loving memory of Jean Cates, from the Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration of Saint Mark's High School. Eternal rest grant h​er​, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon h​er​. May h​er​ soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
    11/02/2017 12:28 pm
    Sandra Michel lit a candle and writes,
    We moved next door to Jean and Bob Cates in the 70's and had several years of the best neighbors ever. Jean was a delight with a great sense of humor and an open heart for our kids and animals. Many a summer night Jean and Bob and Phil and I sat on our patio solving the world's problems. She was a special lady. Please accept condolences and prayers from the Michel's.
    11/02/2017 03:55 pm

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