Joan M. Gates

Joan Michaele Gates 76, of Oxford, NY passed away on February 19, 2025. Joan was born April 29, 1948, to Catherine Mahar and John Edwards. Joan is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald S. Gates; her brother Jim Edwards and his wife Virginia Edwards, her sister Janet Loeffler; her Daughter Kylee Kirby and husband Bryce Kirby and son Andrew Gates and wife Stephanie Gates and many loving nieces and nephews. She was the proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Penny and Oliver Gates and Kennedy, McKinley, and Sullivan Kirby. Joan was born and raised in Norwich, NY where she attended St. Paul’s Catholic school before attending Norwich High school. She pursued higher education at Binghamton University in English literature, as reading and writing were always a passion. Eventually, she found her career in social work where she began her lifelong pursuit of helping others. She spent over forty years working in the Chenango County Department of Social Services advocating for the safety and security of hundreds of children and families. During any downtime, Joan loved to plan trips and travel with her friends and family. Over her lifetime she took many cruises and enjoyed multiple trips to Europe. Her favorite place was always Ireland, where she was able to visit her ancestral homelands with her children and siblings. After retirement, she dedicated much of her time to genealogy where she enjoyed learning about her ancestors and utilizing her researching skills to help others on their genealogy journey. Family was very important to Joan; she always enjoyed having many friends and family members gathered in her home. She will be remembered most for her wonderful get-togethers. She hosted holiday parties every year where she enjoyed planning and preparing multiple meals. She did not miss an opportunity to celebrate those she loved through food. In keeping with Joan’s wishes, a private celebration of life will take place this summer. Friends and family may call at The Behe Funeral Home at 21 Main Street, Oxford NY on Saturday March 1st, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Joan Gates to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.