Norma (Cunningham) Bates passed away suddenly on June 23 at age 65. Norma was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with family, planning camping trips to Winslow Park in Maine and hosting holidays, where she could show her love through sharing home-cooked meals.
Norma enjoyed playing games and excelled at Scrabble, cribbage, and Cards against Humanity. Anytime someone needed to talk, Norma was there to listen with a cup of tea and an open heart… except on weekdays between 7:30 and 8 p.m...because that’s when Jeopardy was on.
Norma’s later years were filled with health challenges. Despite that, she remained a bright and loving presence for her three granddaughters, Cecilia, Alexis and Elise.
Norma is survived by her husband, John Bates; sons Matthew Shepherd and his wife Shonna of Battle Creek, Washington; and Jeffrey Shepherd and his significant other Alina O’Brien of Haverhill; daughter Jill Shepherd of Topsham, Maine; step son Brendan Bates and his wife Ashley of Saco, Maine; brother Shawn Cunningham and his partner Carla Wachowski of Haverhill, sister Cynthia Leavitt of Sanford, Maine, and sister-in-law Susan Cunningham of Derry, New Hampshire. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Norma was predeceased by her parents Marion “Mickey” (Tobey) Cunningham and Norman “Red” Cunningham, brother Michael Cunningham, uncle Raymond Tobey and brother-in-law Ralph Morris.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, July 6 from 1-3 p.m. held at Norma’s home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Norma’s name to Ronald McDonald House in Portland, Maine. Arrangements by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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Priscilla Gabriel-Mack says
July 5, 2019 at 2:20 pmMy deepest sympathies to your family. Keeping you in my prayers during this time if sorrow and healing
Kathleen says
July 5, 2019 at 5:55 pmNorma was the most beautiful dashing red-headed aunt a girl could wish for. I will think of her often and hope to dream of her soon. I plan to camp at Winslow and will look forward to a good reconnection in my dreams. She is a star twinkling bright above the Atlantic shining down on Freeport Maine, Haverhill & Bradford MA. She was never one to miss a good party, so she will be there with us at her celebration of life. Love you to the stars-your niece Kathleen Shepherd-Segura & family.