Michele D. Gates, 80, of Utica, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, New Hartford. Michele was born March 7, 1935 in Utica, the daughter of Edward W., Sr. and Kathryn (Gosling) Daly. She was raised in Utica and was a 1953 graduate of Utica Catholic Academy and then went on to graduate from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1956. On November 10, 1956, Michele was married to Gerald F. Gates. After a long career as a caregiver, as an O.R. Nurse with Faxton Hospital, Michele retired in 2002. She was a member of St. Peter's Church in North Utica. Michele's passion in life was caring for her family, cooking with love, and a good book. Michele is survived by five children, Timothy (& Margaret) Gates, Ft. Collins, CO, Karen (& Scott) Lansing, Marcy, Elizabeth Kennedy (& Robert Stolo), Ilion, Thomas Gates, Deerfield, Harry Gates, Albany (& Linda Gates, Yorkville); nine grandchildren, Scott (& Tori) Lansing, Michaela Kennedy, Thomas (& Megan) Waldron, Samantha Gates, Raymond Gates, Lindsay Gates, Hannah Waldron, Zachary Waldron, Matthew Stolo; and one great-grandchild, Piper Waldron. She is also survived by her sister, Harriett (& Chuck) Martin, Whitesboro; a brother-in-law, Herbert Goodhines, Fayetteville, as well as by many nieces and nephews. Michele is predeceased by a daughter, Jean Waldron, in 2008, a brother Edward (Ned) Daly, Jr., and a sister, Susan Goodhines. Mrs. Gates' funeral will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 9:15 am from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and at 10:00 am at St. Peter's Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home, Wednesday evening, from 4 - 7 pm. Those wishing may donate to United Cerebral Palsy in Michele's memory.