S. Mabell (Thombs) Bates, of Bridgewater, died peacefully on June 29. Mabell was age 98 and was the loving daughter of the late Thomas and Edna (Durrell) Thombs. She grew up in Maine, was a graduate of Milo High School class of 1931 and received her masters degree in Library Science from Simmons College. As a young woman Mabell worked at LL Bean in Maine and later as a secretary at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute before becoming a librarian at Brown University and Stonehill College for several years. Since 1967 Mabell has worked at Bridgewater State College in the cataloging department, and most recently was in charge of Archives and the Lincoln Collection. After 43 years at Clement C. Maxwell Library at Bridgewater State College Mabell retired at age 97 as their most senior employee. Mabell married Ralph in 1947 and they raised their two boys in Bridgewater. She and her husband were both active in the Massachusetts Archeology Society and were both members of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society. Mabell was also a member of the Bridgewater Garden Club and was fond of piano music, reading, and geneology. Mabell was the devoted wife of the late Ralph S. Bates. Loving mother of Thomas S. Bates of Bridgewater and James R. and his wife Donna R. Bates of Middleboro. Proud and loving grandmother of Michelle M. Bates of Taunton and sister of the late Harlan Thombs and James Thombs. Also loving aunt of Elizabeth Thombs of VA and Kenneth Thombs of Maine. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Wednesday, July 6 at the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St., Bridgewater at 10 a.m. followed by a burial at Scotland Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 5 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of Mabells life will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 582 Bedford St., Bridgewater following the funeral at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Susie M. Bates Memorial Fund, c/o Bridgewater Savings Bank, 14 Main St., Bridgewater, MA 02324. For directions, online guestbook, and video tribute visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com. Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason 508-697-4332


Published in The Enterprise on July 3, 2011