Mary Catherine Harris-Gates

October 21, 1928 - April 12, 2014
Mary Catherine Harris-Gates

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Mary Catherine Harris-Gates passed away peacefully at The Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends

Mary was born in Newburgh, NY and lived there until her move to North Carolina in 1987. She was the daughter of Chester and Mary Judson of Newburgh, NY.

Mary was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, The Order of The Eastern Star, the YWCA and UMW organization while in Newburgh. After her move to Hendersonville, she was a member of the Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church in Brevard. She was very active in various craft and quilting groups and a book club at Etowah Reach. She and her husband Richard Gates were very active in a hiking group.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, Harold C. Harris and her brother, Chester Judson.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard Gates. She has two daughters, Susan Shipp and her husband David of Hendersonville and Wendy Harris Turnbull and her husband Ken of Houston, Texas. She has four grandchildren, Adria Shipp and Evan Shipp of Hendersonville; Alyssia Makarewicz Brashear and Jessica Vick of Houston, Texas. She has three great-grandchildren, Camden Shipp, Seth Turnbull and Ariana Brashear. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lena Harris of Newburgh, NY and Margaret Schuhle of Pittsfield, Mass

A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 10 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Her family will be at 140 Circleview Drive in Hendersonville after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memory Maker Quilt Ministry, 312 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.


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  • May 07, 2014
    Janet says:
    To the family, may the God of Peace give you strength to continue in your thoughts and memory of your love one. One day as Revelation 21:3-5 states he will wipe out every tear from our eyes...which means what causes us to cry-Death. Sincerely, Janet FL

  • May 08, 2014
    Mary Walker says:
    So sorry for your loss.Mary will certainly be remember for the activity she shared with others.Our grand creator Jehovah God intended for us to live eternally.Although his purpose was interfered with he has provided an opportunity for you to see dear Mary alive again in the future.So may you be comforted by the happy memories you shared with her until you are reunited with her John5:28,29