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Deborah Harlow Gates, lovingly known as "Gam," passed away on June 15 at the age of 92. Her family announces her passing with deep sadness while celebrating a life filled with creativity, generosity, laughter and love.
A lifelong resident of Marblehead and graduate of Marblehead High School's Class of 1951, Deborah dedicated her life to her family, community and many passions. She worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Paige and later as a librarian at Abbot Public Library. She was also an art teacher, sharing her talents with students young and old.
Deborah was an active member of the Marblehead Arrangers Club, makeup artist for the Marblehead Little Theater as well as the Marblehead and Salem Masonic lodges, a longtime volunteer with the Marblehead Festival of Arts and a dedicated member of both the Nahant Garden Club and Nahant Women's Club. An accomplished watercolor artist, she earned recognition for her work and exhibited at local art shows. She also found great joy in gardening and floral arranging.
Above all, Deborah cherished her role as "Gam." She was known for her endless love, frequent phone calls and ability to make every gathering special. Her grandchildren fondly remember summers spent at Grace Oliver's and Nahant Beach, complete with homemade egg sandwiches, Twizzlers and adventures that became treasured family traditions. Her humor, including her favorite "napkin joke" and kazoo playing, brought laughter to all who knew her.
Deborah was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Gates, and her former husband, Charles Briggs.
She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Briggs Teague; her grandchildren, Christopher Teague and his wife Sarah, Jonathan Teague and Caitlin Carter and her husband Christopher; and her great-grandchildren, Alexander and Elizabeth Teague and Mason Carter.
Her family will forever cherish the traditions she created and the love that she shared.
A private memorial service will be held in July. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Deborah's family.
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