Harriet Gross Bates Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harriett (Gross) Bates, 92, of Jupiter, died peacefully at home with family present on February 21, 2013. "Point," as she was known all her life, was born in 1920 and would have celebrated her 93rd birthday March 29. She is survived by sons Christopher and wife Barbara, Tequesta, Florida, and Frederick and wife Lynne, Eastham, Massachusetts; grandchildren Peter, Jen, Erik, Sara, and David, and great-grandchildren Chance and Rhayne. Point spent her childhood in Ohio and attended National Cathedral School in Washington, DC. After graduating, she attended Wellesley where she met Harvard student, Howell Bates, the man she called, "my soul mate and love of my life." After Wellesley, she married "Howie" and graduated Katherine Gibbs College, acquiring skills she said helped her raise a family, assist her husband in his Boston-based business, Montage Furniture, and become an effective volunteer for fulfilling causes. She was president of the Massachusetts League of Women Voters and active in Boston-area cultural programs. She and her husband were jazz enthusiasts who held joyous concerts and fundraiser brunches to share with others their love of all forms of jazz. On Howie's retirement, they summered in Maine and wintered on a boat with their two cats at the JIB Club Marina. In 1974, they settled in Florida and became active in cultural and civic affairs. Point was a devoted 20-year volunteer and donor to the Jupiter Medical Center and a Life Member of Center Auxiliary. She served as a Jupiter Inlet Colony Town Commissioner. She learned to play golf as a child and relished the game, breaking 100 at age 91. She was a Life Member of the Tequesta Country Club where she was president of the Women's Golf Association from 1982-84. She was a formidable bridge player and accomplished artist who learned to paint at the Lighthouse Center for The Arts. "Point Bates was a person of quiet determination and thoughtfulness. We shared a love for jazz and spoke of it often, especially her jazz cruises. But I shall remember most of all her disarming and heartening smile," said friend Rick Cosnotti, retired director, Jupiter Medical Center Foundation. "Not only was Point a great neighbor, she was an informed and active citizen who improved the institutions and communities she served," says JIC Mayor Dan Comerford. Services will be held March 3 at 3pm at Taylor Modeen Funeral Home, 250 Center Street, Jupiter. A reception follows at Tequesta Country Club. Donations in her memory may be made to Jupiter Medical Center Foundation.

Harriet Gross Bates

March 29, 1920 - February 21, 2013