Helena R Bates

Helena Rose Bates (Geary), age 77, of Burlington County, New Jersey joined her husband Al in heaven on January 8, 2025. She was surrounded by family as she chose to end her battle with COPD.

Rose was born in 1947 to Charles and Anne Geary (O'Shea) in Cobh, Ireland. At the age of 17 she ventured to the United States as an Au Pair. Rose met Albert Bates at a local restaurant and went on to have two children, Deirdre and Jacqueline. 

In her 42 years (1980-2022) of service at SidMar Management, she was more than an employee, she became a member of the Kessous' Family.

Rose enjoyed trips back home to Ireland, playing games with family and friends, an occasional trip to the casino and a good bottle of wine. Rose was full of life and loved by many. 

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anne Geary; Husband, Albert Bates; Brother Charles Geary; Brother-in-Law, Paddy Barry, and stepchildren Michael Bates and Patricia Havens.

Rose is survived by: Daughters, Deirdre (David) Langlais and Jacqueline (Mark) Sexton; stepdaughter Eileen (Jeff) Bateham and son-in-law Raymond Havens. Siblings include: Deirdre Barry, Jim (Mariam) Geary, Joe (Maire) Geary, Tony Geary, and Jacqueline Carlos.

Grandchildren: Kristen (Kyle) Revels, John Todd, Tyler Wedell, Zachary Sexton, Savannah Sexton, Elysia (Colin) Willumson, Alyson (Jake) Wilkinson, Dillan White, Christie (Jody) Sheppard, Alicia Windfuhr, Jessica (Rob) Hartwig, Stephanie Havens, Sonia (Matt) O'Boyle, Lucas (Abigail) Havens, Lee (Alana) Havens.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life held Thursday, February 20th from 6 - 8 pm at the Best Western - 98 Friars Blvd, Thorofare, NJ 08086. In honor of Rose & Al we are asking those that attend to come in your favorite Philadelphia Eagles attire. A special thank you to SidMar Management staff & the Kessous Family for hosting the celebration in Rose's memory.