Obituary of Barbara T. Kates

Barbara T. Kates, 81, of Hopewell Twp. passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland. Born in Bridgeton to the late Alan Burch and Elizabeth Hildreth Burch, she was the wife of John Kates for 61 years. Barbara had been a resident of Hopewell Twp. since 1993 and prior to that she had lived in Bridgeton and Quinton. Before her retirement, Barbara had worked as a legal secretary at Addler & Stomel Law Offices in Bridgeton for 31 years. She had also been previously employed at Heinz in Salem. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed many different types of art including; oil painting, ceramics and basket weaving. She also enjoyed her once a month lunch group she shared with her girlfriends. Her last gift to her grandson, Andy, whose birthday was on the day of her passing, was a birthday cake she had already purchased for him in anticipation of being there to celebrate it with him. She is survived by; her husband, John Kates of Hopewell Twp.; her son, Eric Kates of Salem; three grandchildren, Andy and twins, Eddie and Kelly and her cousin, Col. Robert Burch of Fairfax, VA. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Erin Kates. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at Fernwood Memorial Park, 794 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton at 11 AM. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.