Elaine Gates (née Rey)

Elaine Gates, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Notre-Dame Foyer on August 9, 2026, at the age of 78 years, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry and her children, Kevin (Nadine), Darren (Crystal) and Randy (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Hayden (Sophie), Anyssa (Michael), Kaylin (Daegan), Cole, Cody (Teaghan), Landon (Ashley), Allison (Bryson), Ryler and Dani; and her great-grandson Leo. She also leaves to mourn her siblings and in-laws, Eva Fuerst, Annette Rey, Claudia (Gerry) Mabon, Doris (Joe) Bullock, Michel Rey, Christine Rey, Grant (Lina) Gates, Bonnie McKenzie, Betty Ann (Roger) Major, Nancy Moon, Brad (Lynn) Gates and Lynda (Chris) Nemish, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her father Cyril Rey and mother Béatrice Rey, her parents-in-law Leslie and Betty Gates; her brother Raymond Rey, her sister Rachelle Lavallee, her brother-in-law Ron Moon and sister-in-law Cathy Gates.

Elaine was born on October 10, 1947, in Treherne, and grew up in St. Claude. As the third child of nine, she often helped raise her younger siblings. At the age of sixteen, she worked part-time as a telephone operator while still attending school. When she was seventeen, she met the love of her life, Larry; they married shortly after on October 15, 1966.

She moved to Treherne, quickly learned the life of a farmwife, and took a job at the local Bluebird Café. Elaine later returned to work as a telephone operator until they started a family in 1968. She became a stay-at-home mom for many years, raising three boys: Kevin, Darren, and Randy. When the boys were old enough, she returned to work, first as a bookkeeper for Ed’s Tire in Treherne. She then found employment with Treherne Concrete/Sears, where she spent many years until her retirement.

Elaine volunteered her time with several committees, including minor hockey, the swimming pool, the bowling club, and the curling club.

She also loved camping with family and friends and truly enjoyed traveling down south with Larry.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and persevered through her final years with great strength.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Treherne Community Hall on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be Live Streamed on www.afh.ca

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or the Notre Dame Foyer.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 204-248-2201. To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca