Irene Audette Cates

            Irene Audette Cates, 84 of South Haven, passed away Tuesday February 17, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville,

            Irene was born August 6, 1930 in Plainwell the daughter of the late Wesley & Julia (Hotchkiss) Stratton. She graduated from Plainwell High School in 1948 and moved to Kalamazoo where she worked as a dental assistant and taught dance at the Fred Astaire Studios. Finally moving to So. Haven in the late fifties to find work and start a family. Irene worked many years at Bohn Aluminum. While working at Bohn she met Richard Cates, they were married in January 1969. She found her true calling in sales with jewelry, the company was Sarah Coventry and she would become regional manager winning many trips all over the world. She cherished her many Cadillac’s as she traveled the roads. After her retirement her greatest joy was knowing her children and grandchildren were happy.

            Irene is survived by her loving husband Richard, her 3 children - April (Malcolm Bertorelli)Dornan and Rick (Carol) Audette bothe of South Haven, Robin (David) McDonald of Arroyo Grande, California, step-son  - Tim Cates of Pocahontas, Arkansas. 8 Grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and 5 sisters.  There will be a family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 S. Cleveland Ave. Stevensville, MI 49127.