JoAnne Mae Gately, age 87, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017. She was born on July 27, 1930 in Spring Valley, Illinois to the late Dennis and Helen Gately. She was a graduate of Emerson High School and earned a B.S. degree from St. Louis University, and a Master's degree from Loyola University. As a registered nurse she served her profession in a variety of capacities; a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, as a nurse and administrator for VA hospitals in Chicago and Saginaw Michigan and St.Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago, a Public Health Surveyor for the Indiana State Department of Health , and as an administrator at several local nursing homes. She was recognized for her strong work ethic, her intellect, and her dedication to serving others. She was deeply loved by her family and was generous to a fault. She loved to watch baseball and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She loved all animals, but especially her cats.

She is survived by her brother, Dennis Gately; sister, Marilyn (Felipe) Vasquez; several loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, a great, great nephew and other loving family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Elaine Zickuhr.

Her family would like to thank Brentwood at Hobart and Ascera Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they showed to JoAnne.

Per JoAnne's wishes, there will be no attended services. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN 46342. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .