Deborah "Debbie" May Bates of Cohasset, MA, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 20, 2025, at the age of 80.

Debbie was lifelong resident of Cohasset, and member of CHS class of 1963.  She built a decades-long career in nursing, working primarily in long-term care.  Caring for those in need was her true purpose, and she would often share stories of how those in her charge simply wanted someone to lend an ear, chat over coffee, or just keep them company when they felt alone.  Her commitment to the care of others extended into a strong support for the American Red Cross, both as a donor and volunteer, and this deep sense of purpose continues to be shared by her children.

Raised in the true New England Yankee way, Debbie was the epitome of "waste-not-want-not", and could find a purpose for every piece of, well – everything.  She had a no-nonsense way about her and raised her family to value the importance of hard work and doing right by others.

In addition to her career in healthcare, Debbie was also a Girl Scout leader and town cookie sale organizer, a legacy carried on by her daughter Kathy and granddaughter Emma.  She loved knitting and crocheting afghans, mittens, and even sweaters and hats for our furry friends.  This skilled and creative side of her was passed down to her son Troy in his metal working career, and in her daughter Pam's artistic talents.

She was a devout bird watcher, lifelong supporter of the National Audubon Society, and loved and respected animals and nature deeply.  Debbie also loved to visit the ocean, especially after a good Nor'easter blew through.  She and her family were members of the Second Congregational Church community in Cohasset, faithfully attending Sunday services for many years.

She is survived by her three children; Kathy (Haase) Maguire and her husband Russ; Troy Haase and his partner Paula Donnelly; and Pamela Haase.  She also leaves behind her sisters; Rebecca Bates-McArthur, and Rachel (Bates) Ashton and her husband Jack and their families, and her beloved grandchildren Emma Nelson and Willow Jackson.  She also leaves many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Debbie is predeceased by her parents, Dorothy B. Bates and Howard Bates, and brother-in-law William H. McArthur II.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, September 26, 2025 between 4pm and 7pm at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Beechwood Cemetery, Cohasset, MA.

Those wishing to make a donation in Debbie's memory are encouraged to contribute to the MSPCA at www.mspca.org or the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org or any other organization dedicated to protecting animals or our planet's natural resources.