Vera J. Gates, 97 years young, left this earth for heaven, Saturday, January 19, 2019 after a two month stay on hospice. At her passing, she was surrounded by her youngest daughter, Tina, and two grandchildren, Stu & Darla.

Vera was born in Washington, PA on September 25, 1921. She was the daughter of Dominic & Rose Muoio formerly of Calabria, Italy. She was preceded in death by both her parents, all five of her siblings and a son, Donald J. Gates, Jr. She is survived by four children, Rosemary Hoffman (John) - Pennsylvania, Ronald Gates (Asmin) - Florida, Robert Gates - Oklahoma and Tina Anderson (Gary) - California, 9 grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and countless friends both local and all over the United States.

Vera left Pennsylvania at a young age and embarked on many adventures across the United States with her best friend, Olga. From NY to Missouri, Mississippi, Florida, Pennsylvania again and finally to Fallbrook, California, Vera had fun and made friends all along the way. She settled in Fallbrook in December of 1983 with her daughter, Tina, as a means to be closer to her son, Robert, who was stationed with the 2/11 Marine Battalion, Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton. Even as her children moved away, Vera stayed a resident of Fallbrook for the past 35 years. She was extremely proud of the fact she was able to live on her own until the very day, November 1, 2018, she summoned the ambulance to take her to the hospital. As life would have it, she was never to return home again.

Vera was a vivacious woman who never met a stranger. She could certainly talk and make friends easily. She touched so many lives with her inviting and contagious smile, generosity and warm hospitality. She will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. As she liked to share with anyone who visited with her during her last months, "I have lived a good long 97 years and almost 4 months. I'm ready to go to heaven and meet Jesus. I can't wait to dance and sing again. I have so many that have gone before me that I can't wait to see again! I will be watching over all my family." Those that loved her were so very grateful the Lord chose to take her quietly and peacefully to heaven surrounded by family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name, Vera Gates, to the Foundation for Senior Care, 135 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 or www.foundationforseniorcare.org