Eileen Y. Gates

Eileen Y. Gates, age 71, of Newark, DE, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. Eileen was the true definition of a fighter. She battled cancer head-on for over eight years, never giving up hope. Through every test, surgery, and procedure, she always tried to come out even more optimistic than before. Anyone who knew Eileen knew how much she loved and adored her family—especially her grandchildren. They were the absolute loves of her life. The moment she became a grandmother, she said she had found true love. She was such a proud grandmother, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She loved sharing little secrets, especially while spoiling them rotten. She made sure to attend award ceremonies, sporting events, and practices; cared for them when they were sick; and cherished Sunday breakfasts together. She loved talking about the Phillies, Steelers, and Eagles, building Legos, and doing whatever she could to make sure they were happy. Eileen was also a fierce and loyal animal lover. She never turned down an opportunity to help an animal in need. Her love of animals was a lifelong passion. She donated food, supplies, medicine, and her time—whatever was needed—to help. If a stray dog or cat needed a permanent or temporary home, Eileen was usually the first to volunteer, or the first one called. She loved animals so much that when she discovered her daughter (16 or 17 at the time) was allergic to them, she joked that her daughter would have to move out before she’d ever consider rehoming her pets. That story has been told for many years as a true testament to how much animals meant to Eileen. Eileen worked at Amstel Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for 35 years as the Office Manager, where she managed everything there was to manage for the small HVAC and plumbing company. She rarely missed a day—even while battling cancer—until very recently. She hated missing work and would still call to make sure everything was being handled the way it should. She cared for each employee as if they were her own family, and treated every customer with respect and compassion. Employees and customers alike knew they could rely on Eileen for anything. She also retired from Crestview Animal Clinic after more than 20 years of part-time service in reception and client care. The doctors, nurses, and staff there were like family to Eileen, and she was family to them. They stayed in touch often—checking in on one another, sharing updates, and continuing the bonds they built over the years. Eileen especially loved their annual Christmas parties at Dr. Sachs’ home, which were always full of laughter, good food, and memories she cherished. Everyone at Crestview was so kind and caring, and they treated Eileen with the same love and compassion she showed them. The friendships she formed there remained close to her heart throughout her life. Eileen’s daughters, Autumn and Amber, never had to worry about anything, because their mom was always in their corner. She was their shoulder to lean on, their listening ear, their gentle push forward, and the heart that took their worries away. Even if they didn’t ask—or didn’t want her to—Eileen would go without so her girls didn’t have to. She was always that mom. She put them first. Eileen was the most unselfish person when it came not only to her daughters, but to her entire family. She loved them unconditionally, and they always knew it. The three of them never ended a phone call, text message, or visit without saying, “I love you.” Eileen was diagnosed in 2017. From that moment on, her family took charge of making sure she received the care she needed and deserved—driving her to appointments, surgeries, and consultations, keeping up with doctor’s orders, and managing every detail in between. They stood by her side, fighting the battle with her. Through sleepless nights, exhausting days, surgeries, and countless appointments, they made sure she had everything she needed to stay comfortable and to feel loved. Eileen deserved nothing but the best, and her family did everything they could to show her how much she truly meant to them. Eileen met the love of her life, John Noble, while working in the HVAC business. Eileen and John spent 30 years together. She always made sure he never skipped breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eileen took care of John before she took care of herself—making sure his shirts were ironed and that he was always presentable. If John happened to slip out of the house in a wrinkled shirt, everyone heard about it! She not only helped manage his work schedule, but also his personal one. When Eileen could no longer prepare meals or keep up with schedules, the roles reversed, and John lovingly made sure Eileen was cared for—just as she had always cared for him. Their love was steadfast—John was by her side every step of the way. Their bond was unbreakable She is survived by her fiancé, John Noble; her daughters, Autumn Gates and Amber (Gates) Gargani (Jason); grandchildren: Mark Baker III (Nina), Julian Gargani, Ash Episcopo, Saya, and little Donald Orvin; brother, David M. Scott; bonus son, John Episcopo IV; nephew, Barry Scott (Jessica); niece, Ashley (Scott) Dykas; nephew, Michael Scott; niece, Andrea Scott; sister-in-law, Cynthia Scott; brother-in-law, Earl Green, Jr.; and her beloved furbaby, Sugar, as well as numerous friends who were like family to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Shirley (Stevens) Scott; and her sister, Priscilla (Scott) Green. In accordance with Eileen’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. If you would like to make a contribution in her memory, donations may be made to: Comp Animals Pet Rescue. 1497 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 www.companimals.org. To send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Eileen Y. Gates

July 11, 1954 - September 26, 2025

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