Elsie Gates Sides

First Woman Moderator Southport Congregational Church

Elsie Gates Sides, 89, died September 24 in her home at Devonshire Estates, Lenox, Mass. She was born in Stoughton, Mass., the daughter of James E. and Maude Lannen Gates

Mrs Sides is survived by four siblings, including Thomas Gates of Newtown; four children; ten grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She earned her nursing degree in 1941 from Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, N.H., and worked for many years at Bridgeport Hospital.

She was very active in the Southport Congregational Church where she was the first woman moderator and the first female chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Mrs Sides kept busy throughout her life raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and playing Bridge.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Dawn Paterson, RN, and other caregivers.

A funeral service was conducted October 1 in the Southport Congregational Church. A memorial service was held October 2 at Devonshire Estates, Lenox, Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires or the Alzheimer’s Foundation, both in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox MA 01240.

The Newtown Bee        October 2, 2009