Jean S. Bates, 73, of New Egypt, passed away Tuesday at her home. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, she resided in Bucks County, PA until moving to New Egypt, NJ in 1988. After raising her family, Jean enjoyed being a career woman as the Assistant Vice President at Donald F. Smith & Associates in Princeton, NJ. She was involved in the early days of computers and had a passion for designing reports and data entry screens. With her intelligence and humor, Jean bonded people to her, never fully appreciating the power of her personality. A frank and honest person, she was a major support to her family, sharing her wisdom unselfishly and her love unconditionally. Jean was devoted to her family and friends and enjoyed knitting and loved tending her flower gardens. With a generous character, Jean loved to create, giving many of her knitted projects away as presents.

Daughter of the late William and Helen Schroeder, she was predeceased by her first husband, Anthony Wasielczyk and her sister, Marci Spodobalski, she is survived by her husband of 18 years, Daniel Bates; daughter, Donna Wasielczyk of New Egypt; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Mark Crawford of Montrose, CO; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Margaret Wasielczyk of Hanover, PA; three grandchildren, Cory, Mandy and Emily all of Hanover, PA; uncle and aunt, Karl and Kate Schroeder of Croydon, PA; brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Renee Armstrong of Genoa, IL; nieces, Barbara and Tom Barnes of Philadelphia, PA and Arlene ""Pat"" and her husband Phil Tyskewicz of Erin, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service will be held Monday 12pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. The Rev. Patrick Castles will officiate. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call Monday 11-12pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Hospice, 523 Fellowship Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.