Sandra Jean Cates

Sandra D'Angelo Cates, an amazing, witty, unique and determined woman, passed away July 29, 2013.
She graduated from Gulfport High and USM, where she fell in love with her husband of 45 years, Samuel Cates.
Sandra cared for her community and was a great organizer. She was President of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority at USM and a Girl Scout leader and volunteer for many years, for which she received the prestigious Trefoil Award.
She was a story-teller, song-singer and lover of nature. Later in life, this love led her to photography. She loved the beach and the wildlife and was always looking for the perfect shot.
She also loved games and was one of the earliest PC gamers, playing Trade Wars on a BBS. Her family enjoyed playing many board games she created for the holidays, Eggs Make a Deal being an Easter favorite.
She was adventurous, always looking to learn or try something new. She tempered that with great respect for the wisdom of her mother. She instilled all of these values into her children and was truly enjoying doing the same for her grandchildren.
Sandra is survived by her husband Sam, grandchildren Hayden & Ashton Rupert and Dorothea Cates-Foster; children Amy (Todd) Rupert, Bethany Cates and Charles (Stephanie Cassatt) Cates, and siblings Vera Conners, George, Judy and David D'Angelo and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Oncology wing at Gulfport Memorial and Dr. Fussell for doing such an amazing job helping us all through this transition.
A Celebration of Sandra's life will be held Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road in Long Beach. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. August 2, 2013 at Evergreen Cemetery, 28th Street in Gulfport.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi.
Please share your memories or express your condolences by signing the online guest book at www.riemannfamily.com.