Obituary of Maureen Janet Gibson

Maureen Janet Gibson died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday March 14th, 2024, in her 87th year. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years Mervyn Gibson, her parents Patrick and Kathleen O'Brien, and survived by her brother Edward O’Brien and sister Barabara Jackson.

Much loved mother to Debra Stocker (Rob) and Duane Gibson (Moira), adoring Nanny to Krista Stocker, Carly Barnsley (Scott), John Stocker (Lana) and Keefer Gibson (Jessica), and doting great-nanny to Kaitlin, Noah, and Maya Schmidt, and, Alden and Asher Gibson.

Maureen was born in London, England in 1937, but was Irish at heart with her family roots in Sligo, Ireland. She survived bomb shelters and orphanages during World War 2 and described playing in bombed out buildings as a child during the war. In June of 1951, her family made their way across the Atlantic to land in Newfoundland, eventually making their way to Welland, Ontario. Maureen then began her career at Bell Canada in 1956. She met her dancing partner Merv not long after and began their family together. Throughout her life her qualities of strength, generosity, and unwavering empathy to others were constantly displayed; always with a bright smile to even beyond her immediate family to encompass a wide network of friends and acquaintances. Maureen was always the life of the party during theme nights at the golf club and was the party planner for various events and retirements of friends and co workers.

Maureen was a pioneer working full time while also raising her two children. She retired after a very fruitful career of 35 years, however, retirement did not hold her back. She volunteered at Linhaven Long Term Care, receiving a community recognition for her 25 years service, as well as over 10 years spent supporting Meals on Wheels. Maureen was also a continuous fixture at Gibbys Electronic Supermarket, a family run business, making her daily rounds to get to know all the staff on a personal level, decorating the store for Christmas, runs to the Bank with her “grand-dog” Leda- they were a pair at the bank and the staff always had treats ready for Leda.

She was notoriously known for the colour pink, golfing at Peach Tree Golf Course, her coiffured hair by Ann, playing Euchre with her cards gang, and cooking family dinners that had to feature roast beef and ham with perfectly whipped mashed potatoes.

Maureen was a devoted grandmother, sharing her fondness for Tom Jomes, Celine Dion and that “Old Time Rock & Roll” as she drove them to the yearly cottage getaways. “Nanushka” as her 4 grandchildren nicknamed her, loved her time spent selflessly amongst them. She was blessed to have 5 beautiful greatgrandchildren, who she was very proud of and brought much joy to her later in life.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial services. A celebration of life will be held March 27 2024 at The St Catharines Golf and Country Club , 70 Westchester Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3P4 from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to SickKids Foundation, Linhaven Long Term Care, or the Humane Society of Greater Niagara.