Vivian Louise Estopinal Gates of East Chatham, New York, died on October 15, 2011, at Albany Medical Center.  Vivian was born on January 12, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana, daughter of the late Fernando Joseph and Mary Vivian Estopinal.  She married the late Louis Gates III, who was originally from New York.  They moved back to New York after he was discharged from the service, eventually settling in East Chatham.  Vivian received a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Tulane University and then went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education after moving to New York.  She retired in 1983, from the Hudson City School District where she was a revered Art Teacher.  Vivian was a super Mom and Grandmother and is survived by four of her six children and their spouses, Louis Gates IV and wife Melanie, Viki L.Hatch and husband Howard, Stephen Gates, and William Gates and wife Mary. Children deceased prior were Robert Gates and Dane Gates. She was graced with 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.  All of whom loved her as much as she loved them and they will always have fond memories of her smile, her sharing her artistic abilities, and her caring ways. She is survived by a brother Fernando J. Estopinal III of North Carolina, and a sister Jacqueline Simoneaux of California, as well as nieces and nephews. Vivian enjoyed going every Wednesday to the Senior Luncheon Group in Canaan,   and enjoyed the company of her friends and cheered them up with her creative table centerpieces.  Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 19th from 3 to 6 pm. Religious services will be celebrated at the funeral home on Thursday at 2pm, please arrive at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Soldier On, a non-profit organization that helps veterans get back on their feet again.  421 North Main St, Building 6, Leeds, MA  01053  ( www.wesoldieron.org ) For directions or to send an online condolence visit, www.frenchblasl.com.