Jessie loved life, her family, music, dancing, having tea with friends, hats and much, much more. She was a joy to be around. I miss my good friend. But I know she is now in an even better place.

I met Jessie when she hired me to help clean her home on Wilkinson in Portage. I enjoyed her free spirit. We had lots of laughs. She spoke proudly of her family. I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Susan L. Campbell, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.

I enjoyed knowing Jessie as part of our United Church Women's group at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie.  She was always a willing worker and a lot of fun to work with as well as taking an active part in our meetings.

My sympathy to all of you. I treasure my friendship over many years and enjoyed our correspondence in the last few years.She lived life well.Ferne Green

Jessie was a joy to sing with in the Kent Street Sing-a-long choir. Ken Barron.

Jessie held my respect and admiration for her strength of character, her love of life, her talents, and her accomplishments. I loved "The Old Girl" letters, and her phone calls! She was my Auntie, and she became my friend.

We at Elm River Colony have many fond memories of Mrs. Gates.  After putting in a full day teaching she often visited our elderly, bringing cheer to all of them.

My condolences to you all.  

Alice Jones no.  1 Broadway, Portage la Prairie

Gone but not forgotten.. you will be missed "Old Girl" "Great Old Girl" and "Great, Great Old Girl" We wish we could be there tomorrow to celebrate in Aunt Jessie fashion.

Lovingly remembered by the Warren Mann Clan...

Marybeth
Jennifer
Lauren & Lyle
Delaina, Mitch, Axton & Ember
Margo & Shaun
Traci, Travis & Ainsley
Justin & Monica

Micheal, Kevin and Alyson,

So sorry to hear of your mothers passing.  I have many childhood memories of your mom from living across the lane from your family.  Probably the one that sticks in my mind the most was hearing her call you boys for supper.  I still smile every time I think about it.

Sad to hear about Jessie's passing. She taught at our colony for 7 years and many people have fond memories of her. She loved sitting down for a cup of coffee or tea with her friends on the colony. Many of her former students remember receiving books from her for Christmas, always signed with 'A book is a friend!'

November 14, 2013
There are so many memories of Aunt Jessie. She and Alyson used to go to the opera with us and stay overnight before leaving the next morning for Portage. We had no other close family in Winnipeg so we often had Jessie and Alyson in for Christmas dinner, or we went to Portage. I also remember helping her the day of her big auction sale in Portage. How much energy and courage she had to part with so many things she had collected over the years.
Like her niece, she loved to wear hats. She proudly wore one to honour her niece, Beverley Joan Davidson(Mann) at the memorial service June 8,2002.
  Aunt Jessie was a remarkable person who never failed to give a  big hug when we met and when we parted.  She is missed. May she rest inn peace.  
Graeme Davidson

Mrs. Gates was a friend and mentor who got me started on my own teaching career.  I have many fond memories of her as she enthusiastically modeled  the love of reading and learning.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Sorry to hear about Jessie's passing. My condolences to the family. I worked with Jessie years ago, got along very well. She will be missed.

My Thoughts and Prayers with Mrs Gates  Family . Mrs. Gates was good person. Roxy Maxwell

Dear Gates Family,
Mrs Gates was also my kindergarten teacher.  She made me feel so special, years later I met her uptown and she asked me to come to her house she had something for me...she gave me back the Valentines Day card I gave her in kindergarten...I still have it!!  I know my brother Glen also thought highly of her because I remember hearing many stories of how he was going to marry her when he was young!!  I am so sorry for your loss, please take comfort that she is no longer suffering and that she is watching over all of us!!

"Mrs. Gates" was my Kindergarten teacher. I remember her classroom being a warm, welcoming and vibrant place for children. She was so kind and took an interest in each and every child, making us all feel special in our own way. She was truly gifted in this and so many other ways. She will forever be remembered by many, many kids and their families in Portage la Prairie.

In your time of loss, may you be comforted by the love of those around you.

Mrs. Gates taught me kindergarten in 1974 @ Cresentview School in Portage la Prairie.  She was the kindest, most gentle teacher and was one of my favorite teachers.  Whenever I saw her, she always knew me by name and would always ask me how I was and how my family was!  I admired her youthfulness and zest for life!  God has gotten a wonderful angel!  Until we meet again, Mrs. Gates!

What a wonderful woman.  I loved having her come and see me when I worked at Portage Credit Union in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.  I admired her for her spunk and her ability to live life to the fullest, leaving the past behind and always looking toward the future.  She was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to meet her.

CELEBRATION OF JESSIE'S LIFE
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16
2 pm
First United Church
15385 Semiahmoo Ave
White Rock, B.C.

I will forever remember Jessie with love and admiration...I have learned so much from her on how to live life well....She was a women of strength and courage and faced evvery challenge head on with grace & dignity.  She was truly loved by so many...She will always be in my heart...My sincere condolences to Jessie's beloved family..She never missed an opportunity to speak of how proud she was of you all...Sincerely  Gail Hardy  ( I would pick Jessie up from the bus depot when she arrived back from visiting her family in Kelowna)

Jessie was a friend of mine for many years.  Her musical contributions were much appreciated at the Herman Prior Centre. I always admired her fashion sense, and her ability to find pleasure in everything she did. What a classy lady she was! 
My condolences are extended to her children and their families!

Jessie loved life, music and people and shared her love and joy with us. An inspiration, living so very present, so authentically in every moment of her life. She brightened the lives of many and we loved her sense of fashion and play. Gracious and grateful, Jessie taught by example!!
She will surely be with you in spirit, such a beautiful and living faith she had in that!! Love Star

Aunt Jessie was one of a kind.  When I was 5, she bought a little sequinned purse that my parents said I couldn't have.  She gave it to me for Christmas when I turned 18.  She held onto it for 13 years, and then told the story, of a little girl who was only allowed to buy one thing at the flea market.  When she found a 2nd "must-have" treasure, her parents stood their ground and said no.  But Great Aunt Jessie wanted her niece to get the treasure she desired, but respected the parents wishes.   Imagine my surprise, to finally get that little purse, all those years later.  What a gift. How loved I felt.  Jessie, you were tough, and stubborn, and wonderful, and full of life, and very much loved by this little girl (now 39).  You are already missed.

Cousin Jessie was like a sister to me. We made our first recording in Portage la Prairie MB in 1951. The participants were: Jessie (piano) Ivan (1st guitar) Horace( violin) and myself, Keith (2nd guitar)  The old records are still in the family.   Keith Mann Nanaimo BC

Jessie got me involved in playing music for senior residences. She and I had many great times playing music for them, and I have continued to do so even after she left Portage la Prairie. We often talked on the phone and I hope some one will play "Delilah", her favourite song. The "old girl from Saskatchewan", as she called herself, is certainly missed, but I am so glad Alysson brought her to Portage last year to meet her retired teacher friends.
John Sushelnitsky (Portage la Prairie)

We only met Jessie once, but were charmed by her presence and energy.  Our condolences to Alyson and her family.  I am particularly touched that she was a fellow teacher.  All best wishes.

Lyle and Diane Vinish

Aunt Jessie was always willing to share her time and talents with an enthusiastic young girl . I enjoyed the times spent at her house playing various instruments while she played the piano. She enriched my life and I remember her fondly.

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather
Openings in Heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us..
letting us know
THEY ARE HAPPY
Love you and miss you, Mom  xoxoxoxo

OBITUARY

Jessie Viola Gates

May 17, 1921 – September 21, 2013

Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home

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