SALEM - Mrs. Maria Frances (Bouchard) Gates 96, of Salem, beloved wife of the late Earl F. Gates, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Grosvenor Park Nursing Home in Salem.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Adelaide (Gauthier) Bouchard. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a lifelong resident of the City of Salem.

A longtime member of the Franco American Auxiliary of Salem, Mrs. Gates was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be deeply missed.

Maria is survived by her sons, Edward Gates and his wife Mildred of Peabody and Robert Gates and his wife Joanne of Salem, her four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, her sisters, Jeanne O'Brien of Salem and Claudette Osman of Salem and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was also the sister of the late Florence Patterson, Leonie Jamont, Agnes Bouchard and Evelyn Sears.

Her funeral Mass will be held in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Margin St., Salem/Peabody Line, Saturday at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Spring Street Cemetery, Essex. There will be a one hour visitation period prior to the Mass at the church from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M.

Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq.,(at Salem Common) Salem.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Maria's memory to the Autism Research Foundation, 72 East Concord St, Rm1014, Boston, MA 02116.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .