IRENE B. GIBSON (SADLEIR)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

IRENE B. GIBSON (nee SADLEIR) Peacefully, after a courageous struggle with cancer, on Thursday April 7, 2005, at the Victoria General Hospital, Irene Gibson passed away at the age of 80 years. Irene was born in Saskatoon and raised in Regina. She met her future husband Gerry Gibson when he was stationed in Regina for RCAF training in 1942. When he returned from service overseas, she moved to Toronto where they were married in 1946. She worked for the Royal Bank for seven years in Regina and Toronto until the birth of Linda in 1949. At this time the family moved to Sudbury where Sandi and Pat were born. In 1960 they moved to Thompson and Sharon was born there. It was in Thompson that Irene took up golf, her life long passion. In 1974 Irene and Sharon joined Gerry who was working in Mufulira Zambia. Irene loved Africa and, in such a congenial climate for golf, she became very skilled at the game. She won many tournaments there, playing in Pro-Ams with golfers from around the world. She also enjoyed many vacations exploring Europe and Africa. In 1984 Irene and Gerry retired to Victoria BC., where Gerry died in 1989. Irene and Sharon then relocated to Winnipeg to be closer to the other daughters. Irene was an avid reader of mysteries and adventure stories. She was sociable and outgoing, conversing easily with friends and strangers alike. She loved to laugh and enjoyed English comedies and dramas on television. She had a special affinity for animals, especially cats, and she lavished affection and attention on Kim (who predeceased her) and Penny and Remy who will miss her very much. Irene is survived by her four daughters, Linda Gibson (Gordon McCrea) of Beausejour, Sandi Gibson, Pat Gibson and Sharon Gibson, all of Winnipeg; three grandchildren, Lee-Anne Milburn of Raleigh, North Carolina, Paul Milburn (Jody) of Grunthal, and Darren Brewer of Winnipeg; and one great-grandson Zane Alexander Milburn of Grunthal. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents and her brother Gordon Sadleir of Calgary. The family would like to say thank you to Sharon for her loving support and care of Mother during her final illness. Cremation has taken place. In compliance with Irene's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Her ashes will be interredin the garden at Brookside Cemetery when the roses are in bloom. As an expression of sympathy, for those who wish, donations in Irene's memory may be made to her favourite cause, Quagga's Stray Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 552, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2J3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2005