Yates, Mary Rae (Gourlay), of Ingersoll, Ontario, and former long-time resident of Etobicoke (Rexdale), ON, passed away in her 93rd year at Secord Trails Care Community, Ingersoll, on Sunday June 10, 2018.  Born at home on the family farm in St. Marys, ON, Mary entered the world alongside her twin brother James on March 6, 1926, blessing the lives of her late parents Leslie and Mary (Walker) Gourlay. She also shared her childhood with younger brother Donald.  As a young woman, Mary volunteered with the Ontario Farm Service Force out of Niagara; contributing what she could to support Canadian troops during World War II.  In the late 1940s, Mary met her best friend and husband of 57 years, the late Stewart Yates, while on an ice skating excursion with friends. Married in 1949, the couple resided in St. Marys for several years, eventually settling in Rexdale, where they raised their three children; Leslie, James and Rae.  Mary balanced both motherhood and a successful career, and was a long-time employee with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. At the time of her retirement, she was branch manager of the Avenue Road CIBC just north of Lawrence Ave. in Toronto; an inspiring accomplishment for women of her generation.  Mary and Stewart were avid golfers throughout their lives and into their retirement years – they spent many happy days on the course, together and with friends. Mary loved Toronto Blue Jays baseball and attended many games – once even being hit with a fly ball. As her eyesight failed in her later years, she still rarely missed listening to a televised Jays game.  A traveller and lover of the outdoors, Mary visited many places and countries across the world as well as spent many years camping across Ontario with her husband and children. Mary was a long-time member of the Ontario Girl Guides of Canada and was a past District Commissioner.  Mary’s favourite hobbies were knitting and playing cards – bridge, euchre, cribbage. She loved wild birds, gardening – particularly roses, and simply getting a tan; she never missed an opportunity to soak in the warmth of the sun.  As her family grew larger, Mary was very proud and excited to become “GG” to her 7 great- granddaughters. She loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family was important to her. She cherished her daily phone conversations with her daughter Rae. This past December 2017, her family was blessed to gather all together for one last Christmas with Mary.   Mary, Mum, Nana, GG, friend – she will dearly be missed by all who knew her.  Mary was the beloved wife of the late Stewart Yates; devoted mother of son Leslie and wife Chris Yates of Smithers, BC, son James and wife Debra Yates of Ingersoll, and daughter Rae Yates of Brighton, ON; loving Nana of granddaughters Jamie Yates-Losee and husband Mike Losee of Ingersoll, and Charlotte Yates and husband Dean Parchomchuk of Tauranga, New Zealand, and grandson Ian Yates and wife Elvi Buttignol of Hamilton, ON; and cherished “GG” of great-granddaughters Ryenne and Blaire Losee, Autumn, Gwyneth and Robyn Parchomchuk, and Rosie and Nora Yates. Mary was predeceased by her beloved grandson Colin Yates as well as brothers James Gourlay and wife Jean of Winnipeg, MB, Don Gourlay and wife Donna of London, ON, and an infant brother William Gourlay.   Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will gather at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, 519-425-1600, on Saturday, June 16, 2018after 12:30pm.  The complete memorial service will be held in the chapel at 1:30pm. Private interment will take place at St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Stephen Lewis Foundation, CNIB or Canadian Red Cross would be appreciated.