Sheila Natol Kates, 88, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Bourne and Framingham, Mass., passed away on June 26 after an illness. Wife, Mom, Bubbe and cherished friend, Sheila lived a life full of color, creativity and devotion to the people she loved.
Born and raised in Newton, Mass., Sheila married the love of her life, Seldon H. Kates, in June 1961. The two recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, a milestone that spoke to a partnership built on love, adventure and friendship.
Trained at Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Sheila worked as a dental hygienist in Framingham for decades and was involved in the Temple Beth Am community. A talented painter, she was active in the local art scene, and her work was featured in gallery shows in Framingham. She also loved to travel, whether visiting family or exploring the world with Seldon and their beloved “Special Friends” group, a tradition they later carried on with friends they made in Florida.
Retirement first brought her to Cape Cod, where she volunteered with the Red Cross and the Cape Cod Children’s Theatre and Museum, and became a regular at Bourne Fitness. In 2004, she and Seldon moved to Florida, where she threw herself into community theatre as an assistant director and stage manager, knitted and quilted for charity and started her mornings at the gym and in the pool. She was also active in local Democratic politics, including canvassing for candidates.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Randi (Stew) Kates-Peirce, Sam (Liza) Kates, Mike (Joan) Kates and Andy (Wrenn) Kates; and was the beloved Bubbe to Em, Maddy, Ana, Ben, Spencer, Trevor and Hadley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Maury Natol; and her sister, Myrna Schultz.
Honoring Sheila’s wishes, there will be no services. The family will gather at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Sheila by wearing a bit of purple, which was always her favorite color.
Donations in her memory can be made to Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org) and the Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org).