Veronica Ann Bates
OBITUARY
Veronica Ann (O’Farrell) Bates, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on May 1, 2026. Known as Vera by friends and family, she was born in Drogheda, Ireland. Vera grew up there with her parents, Elizabeth and Gerald O’Farrell, and her six brothers and sisters, Frank, Fred, Gertrude, Hilda, Mary, and Deirdre.
At a young age, her adventurous spirit took her from Ireland all the way to California where she worked as a nanny. It was there at a party in the Hollywood Hills that she met the love of her life, Jay. Vera and Jay married just months after meeting and moved to their forever home in San Diego. She was so proud of their life in “America’s Finest City,” enjoying the climate, natural beauty, and their beautiful home. For 57 years the house was filled with love, laughter (mainly at Jay’s antics), and along the way, two children, Traci and Tom.
A devoted mother and the heart of her family, Vera was a wonderfully involved parent, before that was a thing. She and Jay never missed a football game, dance competition, cheerleading event, or any other function that involved their kids.
She was a loyal confidant who spent countless happy days at her Irish sewing club meetings and having tea with her best friends. With her green eyes, red hair, and fiery spirit, Vera was both Ireland personified and a proud naturalized citizen of the United States. She chided Jay about her knowledge of America, reminding him she had to actually pass a test to become a citizen. And though she was happiest in San Diego, when she felt the pull of her homeland she would travel back to Ireland to visit with her beloved siblings, nurturing those meaningful connections despite the distance.
Ireland wasn’t her only international destination. With her husband Jay, Vera traveled the world, enjoying over 100 cruises, countless countries, and lasting memories with family and friends. Fittingly, she worked as a travel agent; she was also an escrow officer. She carefully and thoughtfully planned the best trips — those lucky enough to have traveled with her are fortunate to carry those memories with them today.
Vera passed along her pride in her heritage and desire to see the world to her children and grandchildren. As a doting grandmother, she visited monthly even when it called for a flight across the country. She was always kind, gracious, polite, and approachable, and never said no to a walk, a chat, and of course, some tea and sweets. Her warm, genuine smile lit up every room she was in, and she was loved by all who knew her — especially her children and grandchildren, with whom she spent so much cherished quality time.
Vera is survived by her son Thomas Bates, daughter Traci Gill, son-in-law Michael Gill, and grandchildren Carrick Gill (18), Connall Gill (17), and Livia Gill (15). She will be missed every day.
If you knew Vera, please join us to celebrate and honor her life: Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 12-3pm at The Brigantine, 9350 Fuerte Drive, La Mesa, California. Food and drink will be provided.
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