Rita M. Bates, 87, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Cooper Hospital in her birthplace of Camden, NJ. Beloved wife of the late John "Jack" Bates. Devoted mother of Gary Bates, Andrew Bates, Patrick Bates (Kristine) and the late Carol Ann Bates. Loving Grandmother "Nonna" of Spencer, Kendall and Cooper Bates. Dear sister of Carol Potena (Bob). She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Rita grew up in Collingswood, NJ and enjoyed the presence of family from the very beginning. She loved going to her Grandparents' house in Camden to dine and dance with her Aunts all night long. Rita enjoyed reading and was passionate in her studies. With full support from her father, Ralph, she decided to attend the University of Delaware. She adored her time as a Blue Hen and made many lifelong friends there. After graduating, Rita went to work for RCA and would commute with her father who also worked there. During that time, Rita boldly ventured out to Italy to visit her family in Sacrofano, where the locals embraced her with a town parade, an experience she cherished deeply.

While working for RCA, she met the love of her life, John Charles Bates of Pennsauken, or better known as Jack Bates.  He charmed her large, Italian family and they were married on September 22 ^nd , 1962.  After having four children, she and Jack settled down in Manchester by the Sea, MA, where they lived from 1970-1981 while Jack worked for IBM. Rita worked as a secretary at Essex County Club, the place her boys began their love of golf. Her daughter, Carol, danced and loved to be around the house with Rita. She often referred to these times as the golden years. She loved being a mom.

Rita always had a joy for the Arts and served as Curator at the Barrington Museum in Delray Beach and The Copley Society of Boston.  She had a special affinity for Folk Art and collected many fine pieces throughout the years.

Rita spent her later years traveling with friends and family watching her son Pat play on the PGA Tour.  She was an affectionate Nonna to her three grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She played with them, read books to them and spoiled them whenever she could.

In recent years, she became part of the St Mary's Villa community where her Aunt Adele and Eve lived before her. Rita was loved by her fellow residents and deeply cared for by the workers. She and her sons Gary and Drew spent great quality time and shared many weekend Italian dinners, Church services and brunches together.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from 10AM to 12PM, followed by her Funeral Service at 12 PM, at TERRANOVA FUNERAL HOME, 402 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contribution to a charity of the donor's choice.