Freeport - Doris Ann (Cogswell) Cates, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. Doris was born in Portland, Maine, on July 1, 1931, the daughter of Frank and Vira (Branch) Cogswell.
Doris attended school in Freeport and Fairfield, Maine, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence Cates. Doris and Lawrence were married October 3, 1948 and went on to have seven children together. They raised their family in Hartland, eventually moving to Freeport. Doris was employed for two years at Norwalk Shoe in Skowhegan, 10 years at Eastland Shoe in Freeport, and 11 years at L.L. Bean in Freeport, retiring at the age of 59. Upon her retirement, Doris and Lawrence became "snowbirds" traveling to Florida for six months a year where they hosted many family members escaping from the cold in Maine. When they returned to Maine, they attended bluegrass festivals and pickin' parties, hosting several in their backyard.
Some of Doris' hobbies/past times were crocheting, sewing, and gardening. She was president of The American Legion Auxiliary J. Arthur Stowell Unit No. 83 and was a member of Freeport Elders Association, 55-Plus Club, Casco Bay YMCA, and Oak Leaf Senior Citizens Club. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Freeport.
Doris is survived by three daughters, Susan and husband Nathan Landon, Janice Arris, and Sandra Holmes, all of Maine; son, Larry Cates and wife Nu of Georgia; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, four brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Doris was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence; three daughters, Ginger Cates, Laura Jean Cates, and Nancy (Cates) Radley; two brothers, and a sister.
A Celebration of Doris' Life will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 1 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, Maine 04096.
To offer your condolences and sign Doris' online guestbook, please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com
