Edrice A. Bates

Edrice A. Bates

Formerly of Old Orchard Beach

Edrice A. Bates, 104, of Saco, and formerly of Old Orchard Beach, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Scarborough.

She was born in Island Falls on October 18, 1920, a daughter of Herbert and June (Dow) Wing. She graduated from Island Falls High School, class of 1939.

Edrice married her husband Herschel Bates on December 10, 1941, the couple raised one son Erwin together.

She was employed by Bureau of Motor Vehicles for 22 years, retiring in 1981, as a manager of the Portland location.

Edrice had many interesting hobbies. She had a very creative side, reading and playing bridge. She had an artistic side knitting and crocheting for family and friends. Her works of art are still being admired by many today in local churches, organizations and throughout the United States and worldwide.

Edrice lived independently until 2023, at which time she moved into the Wardwell Community. She enjoyed interacting with the other community members and staff which she considered close family.

Mrs. Bates was a member of Blue Point Congregational Church UCC in Scarborough, The Wing Family of America, Order of the Eastern Star and Friends of Libby Library in Old Orchard Beach.

She was predeceased by her husband Herschel E. Bates on June 4, 2003 and by siblings Shirley Dunphy, Bernice Cox, Hazel Menge, Brian Wing and William Wing.

She is survived by one son Erwin E. Bates and wife Elaine of Williamsburg, Virginia and Old Orchard Beach. She is also survived by grandson Jarvis Erwin Bates and wife Beth and their children Taylor and Cameron and grandson Ryan Spencer Bates and husband Michael Hand and their son Jacob, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visiting Hours will take place from 5pm - 7pm on Friday, October 3rd, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. A Graveside Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 4th, at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. A gathering will be held after the Graveside Service at Blue Point Congregational Church located at 236 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, at 2pm.

To view Edrice's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations in Edrice's name to Blue Point Congregational UCC Church, 236 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, ME.  04074 or to Libby Memorial Library, 27 Staples Street, Old Orchard Beach, ME.  04064