FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Madeline Gertrude Gibson, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, after an eight-month struggle with declining health. Born Jan. 31, 1923, on Grand Manan Island, she was the eldest child of Margaret “Maggie” and Almon Cheney. After graduation from Saint John High School in 1941, she ventured to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, to be educated as a nurse. At her graduation in 1945, she was awarded the prize for excellence in bedside nursing. In the early years of her career, she was a head nurse and night supervisor at Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal. After her marriage to Frank B. Gibson in 1947, she moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick, where she enjoyed working as a private duty nurse. After the birth of her two daughters, she stayed “at home” for 12 years. Then, she returned to work part-time as a nurse in the office of Dr. Cecil H. Turner where, for 21 years, 1964-1985, she assisted in providing primary heath care to many patients local and beyond. She was active in the Home and School Association, the local chapter of the Nurses Association of New Brunswick, the Retired Nurses’ Group, and committees at Brunswick Street Baptist Church. She is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Marilynne and her husband, Steven Littlefield, of Hermon; one brother, Beverley Cheney and Linda of Red Lake, Ontario; six nieces and nephews; special cousin, Maudie Morse of Grand Manan; valued friend from childhood, Esther Russell of White Head, Grand Manan; and close neighbors on King’s College Road. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, in January 1997; and by her brother, Craig Cheney, in September 2008 and his wife, Muriel, in November 2002. Madeline always took a genuine interest in others, was always willing to lend a hand, and quietly gave selflessly her entire life. No matter her circumstance, she accepted whatever befell her and responded always with strength, dignity and grace. There is no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Fredericton, New Brunswick, with the Rev. Greg Geldart officiating. A reception will be immediately after the service in the family room of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Brunswick Street Baptist Church Building Fund or to UNB Faculty of Nursing Community Health Clinic. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McAdam’s Select Community Funeral Home, 160 York St., Fredericton, New Brunswick. www.mcadamsfh.com
MADELINE GERTRUDE GIBSON
