MARGARET AMANDA (GATES) LORD

Margaret “Cubby” Gates Lord, 95, died on April 22nd in Longmeadow at JGS Lifecare. Born in Ludlow in 1924, she was the daughter of Clarence and Margaret (Mitchell) Gates. She was employed for many years at C.F. Church Company and American Standard in Monson until her retirement.

Cubby was sadly pre-deceased by her daughter, Dawn Zepke, in 2002 and more recently by two sisters who were also her dear friends and companions, Alice “Sis” Martel of Belchertown and Hazel Valliere, formerly of Hadley. She was also pre-deceased by her five brothers: Clarence, Leonard, Norman, Kenneth, and Raymond Gates. 

She leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Gary Moren of Southwick, as well as her sister, Rita Costa of South Hadley. She also leaves her seven grandchildren who were each the light of her life: Jill Johnson of Palmer, Eric Zepke of Granby, Jessica Zepke of Granby, Lara Curtis, Michael Sirvint of Tokyo, Holly Moren-Cilley of Agawam, and Courtney Moren of Southwick. She also leaves 8 great-grandchildren: Justin Palmer, Julia and Lianne Zana, Stephanie and Max Zepke, Evan Moren, and Chloe and Rowan Cilley. Cubby also leaves 2 great-great granddaughters, Lacey and Abigail Palmer, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Cubby will always be remembered for her contagious sense of humor, skilled cooking, adventures and enjoyment in the outdoors, and her concern for others. When she visited her children’s homes, she often rolled up her sleeves to clean, cook, fold laundry, or find some way to help out. She took great interest in her children and grandchildren, often bringing them their favorite foods or small enjoyments such as gum, coloring books,  or “tag sale finds.”

Cubby will be sorely missed as “the life of the party” at family gatherings. She was known for her “signature” dishes such as baked beans, potato salad, chocolate cream pie, and rice pudding. She often competed with other family members by getting votes for the” best” dish. These get-togethers were not complete without the side-splitting laughter that was characteristic of being in her company. 

Although Cubby’s family celebrates her good fortune of enjoying a life well-lived, they will always miss her fun-loving and caring nature.

A private burial will be held at Island Pond Cemetery in Ludlow, MA. Avalon Funeral & Cremation Services, 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA is assisting the family.  To express condolences to the family, share memories, or photos please visit Cubby's memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com 

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