Theresa Gates
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Theresa A. Gates, 77, of Lenexa, Kansas passed August 13, 2018. Mrs. Gates was born July 19, 1941 in Kansas City, Kansas. Theresa was a loving wife, wonderful mother, remarkable grandmother, funny great-grandmother and always there for us. She loved her family dearly and welcomed them with open arms. She always wanted to spend every waking moment with family.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Rosoleno Cotitta and Mary Cotitta, as well as three brothers and two sisters.Survivors include son Marty (Melissa) Gates, daughter Rose (Phil) Shafer, 8 grandchildren , 7 great-grandchildren (and another one on the way), and one brother Robert Cotitta. In lieu of flowers Theresa wanted donations made to the Susan G. Koman foundation for cancer.
Melissa and Marty Iam so sad to hear about your momma …
I pray God will be with you every moment and bring you peace …
Rachel and I love you …
Joyce Latham
Marty, Rose, and all of your family, you know how much my siblings and I loved our Aunt Theresa Ann. I was so happy when you all moved back to Kansas City after so many years living in other parts of the country. It gave me a chance to spend more time with her and to see all of you at family gatherings. She took good care of my mom, her big sister Nancy, during the period of time when Mom was declining and Theresa Ann was still physically able to help with her care. I know they enjoyed going to Blessed Sacrament Altar Society meetings together during that time. I remember her telling me one time that when she was living in Florida, she thought it was silly that people there followed the seasons and changed to fall attire in due time, even though Florida was still enjoying summer weather. She was going to be sensible and keep wearing her shorts instead of keeping up with the fashion. I’m guessing the rest of Florida might have come around to her way of thinking by now! I also remember her telling me about her first date with your dad when she noticed him catching sight of the discrepancy in their height in a large, wall mirror–perhaps at the Midland Theater in downtown KCMO? I guess he got used to that in time! What a sweet couple they were. May they rest in peace.
Marty and Rose, I was so saddened to hear about the unexpected and sudden passing of your mom. She was so very loved and I have many wonderful memories of times with her. Theresa Ann and Uncle Mel invited me and my best friend to stay in the apartment at the back of their house on our first vacation to Albuquerque; took us on the tram to the top of the Sandia Mountains; toured Old Town and had dinner at La Placitas, one of my favorite restaurants, where we enjoyed a “real” Mexican dinner. I remember when your mom and dad were dating and I would spend time with them at Aunt Sara’s house next door to us and then, of course, their wedding. I will also be forever grateful for being given a place to live with your family when I first moved to Albuquerque with my two youngest kids looking for a fresh start. I appreciated all the times Theresa Ann took care of my mom when she was ill. How fun to watch the two of them together…two strong-willed, Italian sisters. Your mom will be very much missed. She was a very special woman to so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family at this very difficult time.
Aunt Theresa was always so fun and easy to be around. I will miss her but look forward to seeing her and uncle Mel again someday. What a treasure she was. My thoughts are with all of her family??????
Those were hearts but somehow changed them to question marks. Sorry bout that.