Bernice Mae Lord

Bernice (Bunnie) Gates Lord, 92 of Wakefield, MA died Friday October 9, in Atkinson, NH surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Boston, MA June 16,1934, she was the daughter of the late Clifton T. and Mary G. (Allgaier) White. 

Bernice moved from Boston to Wakefield in 1941. She was a graduate of Wakefield High School class of 1952 and St. Lawrence University class of 1956 where she thrived in the university life and became a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. 

After college, Bernice returned home and worked for Rust Craft Publishers and Greeting Card Company in Boston as an assistant editor and verse writer. She thoroughly enjoyed working in “the city” as a writer and editor. It was completely in her “wheelhouse”.

 In 1957 Bunnie found the love of her life, Gordon Gates. They married and raised their four children in their home town surrounded by family and friends.

 In those early years of marriage, Bunnie had great fun participating in the Greenwood Junior Woman’s Club where she chaired many committees, held many offices and forged life long friendships. 

While Raising her children, Bunnie pursued her thirst for knowledge by continuing her education at Tufts University with a focus in Early Childhood Education. She also volunteered her time and skills at the First Baptist church working on both their board of finance and as a secretary. 

The First Baptist Church also housed the Tall Spire Nursery School at this time, and with college degree in hand, Bunnie became a teacher and director from 1974-1984. She then transitioned to the Wakefield Public School system working as a kindergarten and first grade teacher at the Hurd, Doyle, Little Red, and Dolbeare Schools. She was one of those “once in a lifetime teachers you will always remember”. She was smart, fun, creative and adored her students. Mrs. Lord retired in 2004 after touching the lives of many children.

 After tragically losing her husband in 1984, Bunnie was fortunate to find love again with Gardner Lord. They enjoyed many wonderful years together until his passing in 2015.

 Bunnie loved animals, especially dogs and was never without at least one. Her happiest place on Earth was Ocean Park, Maine where she spent almost 4 decades enjoying the beach and relaxing at the cottage with friends, family and of course pets. 

Although Bunnie always kept busy balancing work, volunteerism, furthering her education, engaging in an active social life, and building and maintaining a loving relationship and partnership with her husband, her children were ever aware that they were “top priority”. She was always available, involved, engaged and the most fun mom in the neighborhood.

 Bernice was the Beloved wife of the late Gordon B. Gates (Wakefield, MA) and the late Gardner H. Lord (Chelsea, MA). She was the loving mother of Christine E. Gates of Wakefield, MA, John T. Gates and his wife Lisa of Atkinson, NH, David A. Gates of Ocean Park, ME, and Jennifer L. Gates of Epping, NH. She was the sister-in-law to Pricilla Devine of Wakefield, NH. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Clifton T. White Jr. of Sonora, CA and Gary T. White of Wakefield, MA. 

Funeral services will be private.