Sandra H. Bates

Sandra Helene (Swett) Bates, 70, of Derry passed away peacefully Wednesday May 23, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Salem, MA on May 16, 1937, the daughter of the late Alfred and Helene (Broussard) Swett of Peabody, MA. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Sandy spent the majority of her adult life in Pelham and Londonderry, NH. Several of her retirement years were spent in Florida and recently she had returned to the New England area which she loved. In Her Life: Family members include three son Rick Bates and his wife Patty of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Derek Bates of Manchester, NH and Craig Bates of FL; three daughters Paula Mahar of Manchester, NH, Andrea Benoit of Derry, NH and late son in law Kenny Benoit; Tara Bates of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also survived by her three brothers Carl Swett and his wife Rae of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Bruce Swett and Jeff Swett, both of CT; three sisters Cynthia Swett, Linda Goodrow and Alicia Laudano, all of CT. Sandy was grandmother to Courtney, Alicia, Amanda, Emily, Brianna, Alexia, and Taysia and great-grandmother to Jaydon. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sandy dedicated her life to being a devoted wife to the late Richard Alan (Dick) Bates. She was also predeceased by a daughter, Lynn Marie Bates and a sister Pamela Abbott. The family has chosen to have a future remembrance service and anyone wishing more information can contact rabaes@bellsouth.net for details. The Cremation Society of NewHampshire is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to view an on-line memorial, go to www.csnh.com.