Northborough

Joan J. Gates, a longtime resident of Northborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home on Friday, June 10, 2022, after a period of declining health from complications of kidney disease. She was 89 years old. Joan leaves behind her sister Barbara Porter of Venice FL and several nieces and nephews. In addition, she will be greatly missed and always remembered by her many long time close friends and her rescue cat Smokey, whom she cared for dearly. Joan was predeceased by her twin brother Gene J. Gates in 2012 and her sister Thelma A. Federman in 2017.

Joan was a kind and giving person who loved to knit children's sweaters, vests, hats and mittens. Over the years she donated hundreds of these items to children in an effort to keep them warm during the cold winter months. Joan designed all her own patterns for these precious sweaters.

Joan's family requests all of Joan's loved ones to join them in celebrating her beautiful life on Friday, June 17. A calling hour will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Joan's funeral will follow in the funeral home at 11:30 AM. Joan will be laid to rest in Howard Street Cemetery. To leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.