ELIZABETH (BETH) GIBBON (nee ALEXANDER) With sadness, the family announces the passing of Beth Gibbon on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 87 years of age. Left to mourn are her husband of 63 years, Eric Gibbon; daughter M'Liss (Bobby Bunting) and grandchildren, Colin, Michael and Amanda; sister Jean McPherson; a sister-in-law as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her son John in 1978, her parents, John and Jane Alexander, and siblings May Zwarych and Bob Alexander. Beth was born and raised in Winnipeg, and met her husband in 1942 when Eric arrived in Winnipeg to enlist in the air force and undergo training. They were married after the war, in June, 1946. Living their entire married life in Winnipeg, they enjoyed family and friends and welcomed extended family to live with them on many occasions. Beth worked at the Royal Alexander Hotel, then in department store retail and mail order, and later for Weight Watchers, an organization in which she was proud to be a lifetime member. Grey Street United Church was fortunate to have a committed Sunday School teacher for many years when her children were small. Devotion to family was profound, and Beth doted happily on nieces and nephews until she found her true calling as full-time mother with the adoption of her own children in 1959 and 1961. In later years, her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, giving her years of pleasure as she helped care for them as youngsters, and she continued to show interest and concern for them until her last days. They will miss her a great deal. Pride in her Scottish heritage led to many years of involvement in the Scottish community. As a dance mom, Beth devoted countless hours to the Manitoba Highland Dancers Association, as a member from 1966, as convenor and co-convenor of the Tartan Tea, as association president, 1973-1975, and later as assistant in scoring at the competitions. For over 20 years she maintained her interest in all things highland dancing, attending teas and competitions, following progress of her daughter's dancing students, her nieces, and her granddaughter, and exhibiting pride in her honourary membership status. As a Heather-Belle Pipe Band mom, she was tireless in her efforts to assist in Folklorama's Scottish Pavilion from the onset until the 1990's, planning, ordering, preparing food and directing kitchen operations. With her daughter and the Heather Belles, she was thrilled to visit her parents' native Scotland in 1982. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Misericordia Place and Concordia Hospital for their care and understanding. A remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2009 Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth's memory to Concordia Foundation, 1095 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2K 3S8. GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 982-7550
As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on February 21, 2009
http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-146729/
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