Elizabeth Rose Gates

Spadaro

Elizabeth Spadaro, of St Louis, Missouri, age 76, entered into eternal rest on November 11, 2026.

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 6, 1950. She was a person of remarkable intelligence, deep loyalty, and profound empathy. Her lifelong commitment to learning began early, earning a college scholarship that led to an undergraduate degree in English from Agnes Scott College in Georgia, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans.

Liz dedicated her professional career to the service of others. Upon completion of her nursing degree, she worked as an R.N. in the ICU at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, where she met her husband. After having three children, she later managed her husband’s cardiology office for 13 years. With her exceptional memory and sharp, analytical mind, she adeptly navigated the constantly changing and evolving healthcare landscape of the time.

Long an advocate for education, Liz served with distinction as the Mother’s Club President at Visitation Academy. She was a humble person who never sought attention for herself but would delight completely in the milestones and achievements of her loved ones. She was a gifted listener, was generous almost to a fault, and had a quick wit that would bring joy and laughter to those around her through her clever one-liners. She saw her purpose in life as being helpful to others, giving generously of her time and energy to anyone needing it. Even in her final days, her biggest regret was that she could no longer “help!”

Her personal life was enriched by her faith, travel, needlepoint, and her status as a voracious reader. Above all else, her greatest devotion was to her family. No expense was too great; nothing was too much trouble or took too much time when it came to supporting her loved ones. Her greatest joys in life were her husband, three children, and six grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Lisle Gates and Louise Scott Gates. She is survived by her husband, James J Spadaro M.D., her three children, Stephanie Jean Spadaro, Elisa Spadaro Moore and her husband Victor Moore of St Louis, and James Spadaro III and his wife Christina of Knoxville Tennessee, as well as her six grandchildren Joseph, Gus, Bruno, and Magnolia Moore, and Annabeth and Lydia Spadaro. She is also survived by her three brothers and a sister and their spouses; Andrew L. Gates III and his wife Janet of Destin, Florida; Mark F. Gates and his wife Mary of New Orleans, Hillary Gates Dart and her husband Henry of Covington Louisiana, and Scott A. Gates and his wife Jody of St. Louis.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation 4:00-8:00pm Monday, November 16, 2026 at Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO, 63141.

Funeral Mass 10:00 am Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at St. Anselm Parish Church, 530 South Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63131

Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 MacKenzie Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123.

Liz’s favorite charities are Visitation Academy and the Alzheimer's Association . Please consider a donation.