Iris Doreen Bates

It is with sadness of heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister Iris Doreen Bates who passed away at Harbourstone Enhanced Care on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 88 years of age with her daughter Dianne and son-in-law Bob by her side.

Born in Main a Dieu to the late Reuben and Hanora (Lahey) Campbell on November 29, 1937. Iris is survived and will be missed by her children Patricia (Joe) Gillis, Kevin (Cheryl) Bates, Alan, Dianne (Bob) Boxall, Denise (Randy) Byrnes and Marlene (Karl) Schmidt, siblings Sylvia, Hilda, Delores, Earl, Herbie and Anna as well as grandchildren David (Kathleen), Stephanie (Darren), Jake, Michael (Aram), Alysha, Brittany (Maka), Courtney (Ben), Robbie, Breagh, Katilyn and Karleigh; great grandchildren Charlotte, Auley, Cameron-James, Iris-Day, Jack, Beau and many nieces and nephews and other family.

Besides her parents, Iris was predeceased by her first husband David and second husband Patrick Drake, son David as well as brothers Bill, Ernest and 2 siblings in infancy.

Iris enjoyed her time working at Woolco until her retirement. She was active in life enjoying travelling (visiting Ireland, Hawaii, Barbados and many other destinations), skating, walking and especially dancing. She was a longtime member of the Steelworkers Club and a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12.

Visitation will take place at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., on Thursday, May 7 from 7 until 9pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Friday, May 8 at 11am with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. Reception to follow. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com.

The family would like to thank all of the staff of Palliative care and at Harbourstone’s Miner’s Lane for taking such good care of Iris. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to either Palliative Care or the Alzheimer’s Society.