Jean Crombie Bates, 103, died on June 21, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, laughter and a dance in her step. Jean was born in Springfield, MA on October 5, 1921 to Jessie and Thomas Crombie. Jean's parents were born in Fife, Scotland and Jean cherished her Scottish heritage. Growing up in East Longmeadow, MA, Jean was happiest hunting for wild strawberries, swimming in the sandstone quarries and jumping between the train cars when the 4:00pm train pulled into town.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Donald Bates with whom she shared 79 years of marriage. Jean and Don were high school sweethearts. In October of 1941, Don earned his commercial pilot's license and went to Arcadia, Florida to join the war effort. He became a civilian flight instructor for WWII Army Air Corps pilots. When Don sent Jean a marriage proposal and a train ticket, she hopped on the train to take her first trip away from home and became Don's bride. Later, they traveled around the United States with their two children, Jackie and Tom, as Don started his career as a pilot photographer doing aerial mapping. As Don collected flight time, Jean collected friends. She made lifelong friends wherever they went. She reminisced, "I really loved the traveling. I still remember pulling into the trailer parks, you'd meet all these people, I really loved the people."

Once their children needed to settle into school, Jean and her family returned home to East Longmeadow. Jean yearned for a home of her own and she made that possible by working alongside Don, hefting cinderblocks into their future basement as they literally laid their foundation together. Jean and Don lived in their hand-built home for over 40 years watching their children grow, enjoying family gatherings with their nearby siblings, nieces and nephews and welcoming five grandchildren to the family.

In retirement, Don and Jean moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she immersed herself in the fellowship of Socastee United Methodist Church. She did it all: Bible study, Sunday school, breakfast group, letter writing, collecting toys for children and Wacky Wednesday…all while creating a community of dear friends. Jean brought her social spirit with her when she and Don moved to Myrtle Beach Estates. When it was time to move closer to family, she and Don moved to The Residence at Pearl Street in Reading, MA. Her family loved having her nearby again and she loved being part of all the family activities and celebrations. She was an enthusiastic participant at Pearl Street where the residents and staff quickly became part of her extended family.

Jean leaves us inspired by her positivity, her sense of humor, her physical strength and her grace. Jean lived life to the fullest. Whether it was playing a silly joke, riding her bike through Portugal or making her dancing debut at the age of 101 at the Cabot Theater, Jean was in it for family, friends and fun. She leaves us with her own reflection, "I was so lucky, I had a wonderful life."

Jean was predeceased by her parents, her five siblings, and her husband, Don. She leaves behind her daughter, Jacqueline Bates (Paul Lukowiak) of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; her son Thomas Bates and daughter-in-law Cindy of Reading MA; grandchildren Kelly Flanagan (Heather), Todd Flanagan (Deb), Erin Flanagan, Aaron Bates, and Katrina Madden (Peter). She also leaves great grandchildren, Emily, James, Anne, Sarah, Aine, Maeve, Theseus, Lilyana and Simon; and great-great grandchildren Madeline and Henry.

A gathering to celebrate Jean's life will be held on August 23, 2025, from 1:00-5:00 pm at the home of Tom & Cindy Bates.