Claire A. Bates

Claire A. Bates (nee Schilling), 90 of Caldwell passed away at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Claire at the Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave. Caldwell on Friday March 24 from 3-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave. Caldwell on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Cremation will be held privately. Claire will be buried with her beloved husband at Prospect Hill Cemetery on Wednesday March 29 at 10 AM.

Born in Caldwell to Charles and Kathleen (nee Smith) Schilling, Claire was a lifelong resident. She worked for Nabisco in East Hanover as a graphic artist for ten years, retiring many years ago. Claire was an avid reader, she loved to sew and especially enjoyed making homemade gifts for her family. A woman of devout faith, she was a longtime parishioner of St. Aloysius Church. Claire looked forward to trips to the library, which satisfied her great appetite for knowledge and learning. A dedicated home maker, Claire most treasured spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren, with whom she cherished days playing board games and cards together.

Claire was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Bates; loving mother of BethAnn Bates, Rosemary Bates-Pierone and Jennifer Bates; and the adoring grandmother of Dean Vincent, Sophie Rae and Isabel Marie. She was predeceased by her sisters Elisabeth Cestone and Mary Tonks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.