Francene S. Gates, 95, of Annville, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Juniper Village retirement home. She was the wife of the late Richard D. Gates, who passed away in 1968. She was also preceded in death by her companion of many years, Victor Peters.
Born on April 27, 1929, in Columbus, Georgia, Francene was the daughter of the late Charles and Mattie (Wall) Swope.
She was a proud graduate of Lebanon Valley College and dedicated much of her life to improving her community, serving as the executive director of the Lebanon County Mental Health Association.
Francene was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Lebanon. She achieved a notable milestone as the first woman elected to the Vestry and was an active member of Episcopal Church Women. She carried her love for community into her passions, where she found joy in knitting, reading, shopping, and engaging in online games like WORDLE. Francene was also an avid Penn State football fan.
She is survived by her loving children, Laurie G. Daub (Robert), of Lebanon, Richard C. Gates (Nancy), of Palmyra, and Daniel G. Gates (Nicole), of Fairfax Station, VA. Francene was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, Kate Barr, Anne Aguilar, Miranda Gates, Morgan Gates, Ethan Gates, and Ryan Gates, and a doting great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren, Anthony Aguilar (Lydia), Leyani Aguilar, Kaleb Barr, and Hadley Barr. She is also survived by her dear sister, Sandra Penney (Robert), of Wyomissing.
A memorial service to celebrate Francene’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m., at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 S. 6th St., Lebanon, PA.
