Barbara Gibson
October 5th, 2019
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GIBSON, Barbara
March 22, 1929 – October 5, 2019
We sadly announce the passing of Barbara on Saturday, October 5, 2019 after a long battle with dementia. Barbara is lovingly remembered by her only son, Michael Hwozdecki; daughter-in-law, Lolita Hwozdecki (ne Yiu); grandson, Michael Hwozdecki; great-grandson, Joel Hwozdecki; great-granddaughter, Isla Hwozdecki; also grandson, Jeffrey Hwozdecki and his wife Jacy.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Eno Andrew Davidson; Frances Davidson (ne Jenks); her younger brother, Donald; her older sister, Laurel; her first husband, Dr. Roman M. Hwozdecki and second husband, Charles Gibson.
Barbara was born in Lorain Ohio, USA and moved with her family, prior age three, to Port Arthur, Ontario where she grew up and attended Port Arthur Collegiate High School.
She met her first husband, Roman while working in the health care industry in Toronto and after stops including Weyburn, Wishart, and Smeaton Saskatchewan settled in Carmangay, Alberta in 1958.
In Carmangay she worked in her husband's practice in reception and was active in the United Church as Choir Director and coordinating and leading various drama clubs in the village including the Queen Dramettes. Barbara directed many plays and musicals over the years.
Later on in life Barbara worked for Martin Brothers Funeral Home in Lethbridge, Alberta. It was in Lethbridge that she met her second husband, Charles “Chuck” Gibson. Together they had the opportunity to manage the Taber Lodge Motel and later a motel in Milk River, Alberta before Chuck’s ill health lead them to Calgary where Barbara, in 1980 began working in the residence at the Calgary General Hospital and in 1985 she became the residence manager.
In her retired years she enjoyed attending church and volunteering at the Fanning Centre.
Barbara was always the life of any activities or functions she became involved with and was liked and respected by young and old alike.
Her creativity and community minded spirit will be dearly missed. A private family service will be held.
Messages:
Barbara brought so much fun for years of my life when she led the church choir and started the Drama Club in Carmangay. Not only did we get to act but sang and learned song from 1900 up. We won second prize for our decorated car in the Lethbridge parade one year. So many wonderful memories to thank her for. She was a inspiration and will always remain close in my heart!
So sorry to hear of your loss Michael I have many wonderful memories of your mom & being in the choir. She also let the classes that led to my baptism in the United church but I got sick the day they were baptized so was baptized years later with my daughters. She definitely knew how to have fun & lived a very full life & it wasn’t a dull one either. I definitely know she’s happy where she’s at & is taking a crack at leading the heavenly choir. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Barbara had a huge impact on me while I was growing up in Carmangay. It began when she allowed me to join the Junior Choir at the age of 11 even though you were supposed to be 12 years old. I was one of Michael’s babysitters and loved going to their house. Sometimes we would cook steak and homefries for supper. Barb was our Drama club director and encouraged our input when planning plays and musicals. How many teenagers have been given these kinds of experiences? She helped to lay a foundation which has followed me throughout my life as a teacher and a community volunteer. I will love her forever. Marilyn Wolfe
I met Barb when I was around 6. I lived on Moncton road across from Midfield. A friend from school introduced me to her. He called her the 'God Bless You' lady. I spent lots of time with Barb and Teddy after school. She taught me how to crochet and spent time talking to me about the world. I was crocheting tonight and thought of her. I thought to google her name and saw this obituary. I hope she's with Teddy and at peace. Libbi Longworth
Heartfelt condolences to our old friend Mike on the loss of your Mom; April, Chris and Neileboy.