Elaine Elizabeth Bates, born on April 23, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, passed away on September 3, 2024. She was the beloved mother of Kimberly E. McLaughlin (Gary R.) of Upper Pittsgrove, NJ; Pamela Dawn Pantilione (Nicholas Salvatore) of Auburndale, FL; and Carol Elaine Weaver of Millville, NJ. Elaine was also the cherished grandmother of Gary E. McLaughlin, Eric C. McLaughlin, Carmela Rose Pantilione, and Nicholas Salvatore Pantilione, Jr., and the proud great-grandmother of Atticus McLaughlin, Cora McLaughlin, Makayla Pantilione, Conner Dejesus, and Bianca Dejesus. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Thelma Hartman, and her siblings Karl Hartman, James Hartman, and Lawrence Hartman.
Elaine graduated from Vineland High School in 1961 and spent her early years in Camden, New Jersey. In 1959, she moved to Collings Lakes, and later settled in Vineland in 1962. During her time in Vineland, Elaine married Carl Edward Weaver in September 1962, and their marriage lasted until their divorce in 1985. She lived in Vineland until 1978, when she relocated to Franklinville. In June 1995, Elaine married the love of her life, James W. Bates. Together, they made their home in Upper Pittsgrove Township, where they shared many happy years until his passing in 2014. Elaine lovingly continued to reside in Upper Pittsgrove Township, cherishing the memories they created together, until her own passing.
Professionally, Elaine dedicated many years as a secretary, with notable positions at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Hammonton, National Freight Trucking in Vineland, and The Espoma Company in Millville, where she retired in 2011. After retiring, she worked as a school bus aide with C.J.’s Bus Service and volunteered at Elmer Hospital.
Elaine’s vibrant life was filled with numerous passions and interests. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and collecting books and Civil War memorabilia. A devoted patriot, she took great pride in flying her flag and cherished visits to national parks. Elaine was also an avid lover of wildlife, particularly hummingbirds and cats, and found joy in attending yard sales with her daughters. She earned a yellow belt in karate and was a long-time member of Ramoth Nazarene Church in Vineland, where she was deeply involved and held her church family in great esteem.
Elaine’s warmth, dedication, and love for her family, community, and country will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Her legacy of service, devotion, and compassion leaves a lasting imprint on the lives she touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312, with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 PM. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Elaine to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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