Obituary of Josephine J. Bates

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine "Jill" Bates of Rome, NY, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born and raised in Glenmore, NY, Josephine was the youngest child of Stephen S. Frankow and Mary M. Frankow of Galicia, which was a province of the Austria-Hungary Empire before World War I.

After graduating from Camden High School in 1948, Josephine worked briefly as a waitress at The Greenbriar restaurant in Rome, NY, where she met her future husband of 50 years, Stanley P. Bates. Josephine and Stanley were married at St. Patrick's Church in Taberg in 1951. The couple settled in Rome, NY, and eventually became parents of 8 children and proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Josephine enthusiastically immersed herself in her children's activities and her community. She volunteered as a Little League team mother for 12 years and served as president, secretary, and treasurer of The Federal Little League Auxillary. She spent 11 years as a den mother for Cub Scouts and three years as a Brownie troop leader. Josephine helped build St. Paul's church and taught religious education for 17 years as a certified teacher of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. She also served as president, vice president, and treasurer of St. Paul's Altar-Rosary Society. Josephine enjoyed volunteering as a room parent and was active in the PTA.

A supporter of Birthright, Josephine welcomed women into her home and provided support throughout their pregnancies. Through the Fresh Air program in the 1970s, Josephine hosted inner-city youth from NYC eager to trade the heat and concrete for a verdant Upstate summer.

As a result of her civic engagement and volunteerism, Josephine was named Rome, New York's Woman of the Year in 1982.

In her 50s, Josephine embarked on a new journey, going to college to become a registered nurse. She then worked for Oneida County Health and Home Services as a public health nurse.  She was also a supervisor at Rome Nursing Home, Eden Park, and Stonehedge Nursing Home, often caring for elderly patients younger than herself.

Inspired by her eldest son, Paulie, Josephine was instrumental in the installation of an adaptive swing at Guyer Field playground and, until recently, served as a board member for NYSARC, a state-funded organization aimed at serving the needs of developmentally disabled youth.

Josephine's compassionate nature continued throughout her golden years, as she volunteered for Hospice, collected for The Heart Fund, and participated in various cancer drives.

Josephine cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She especially appreciated the compassion and dedication of her son, Tim, daughter-in-law Karen, and daughter, Christine, who became her primary caretakers. Josephine's family will miss her dearly and are fortunate to have been blessed by her love and kindness.

Josephine is preceded in death by her husband, Stanley P. Bates; sons, Paulie Bates and Eric Bates; six sisters, Helen (Aldo) Lira, Stella (George) Johnson, Leona (Edward) Mieczkowski, Mary Frankow, Frances Frankow and Anna Frankow; and three brothers, Frank (Rose) Frankow, Joseph (Lillian Cook) Frankow and Michael (Helen) Frankow.

Josephine is survived by her children, Capt. Randall (Eileen) Bates USMM, Lt Col Daniel (Linda) Bates USAF (Ret.), Tim (Karen) Bates, Christine (Christopher) Brodock, Nancy (Scott) McKinsey, and Dr. Robert S. (Carolyn) Bates; daughter-in-law, Debra (Eric) Bates; grandchildren, Jodi, Tracy, Erica, Julia, Karsten, Kyle, Heather, Gage, Marley, Sophie, Olivia, and Emmy; and great-grandchildren, Elaina, Oakley, Winter, Westin, Tessa, Vivian and Glenn; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in Josephine’s memory to the Central New York Special Olympics 6315 Fly Road East Syracuse, NY 13057

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 3-6 P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 11 A.M. at St. Paul’s Church in Rome. Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Taberg.