Barbara Belanga Cates

Barbara Belanga Cates, 86, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia on November 2, 1932 to the late Robert Belanga and Myrle Kiff Belanga.

Barbara graduated from Kempsville High School. On August 12, 1950, she married the love of her life, Gene Cates. Together they moved to their home in 1954 where they raised three children.

A loving mother and homemaker, Barbara’s passion was her family. She was selfless, kind and compassionate to anyone she met and she never had a harsh word for anyone. She was an accomplished piano player and willingly gave her talents to her church, where she played each week in Sunday School.

Survivors include her husband, Gene Cates, three children, Susan Pinkston (Stephen), Bruce Cates (Carol) and Scott Cates; grandchildren, Heather Parker (Scott), Shannon Combs (Mike), and Joseph Cates, and great-grandchildren, Evan Parker, Ava Parker, and Grant Parker; sister, Joan Huddle, and brother Robert Earl Belanga.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019, 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia 23502. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.