Obituary of Doreen McGibbon
With sadness, the children of Helen “Doreen” McGibbon (nee Graham) originally of St. Andrews, New Brunswick and more recently of Kingston, Ontario, announce her death on June29th , 2023, in her 83rd year at Kingston General Hospital after her third and short recurrence of cancer. Doreen, also known as Aunt Doreen and DeeDee, was admitted to the hospital on June 10th and was predeceased by her husband, best friend, and earthly anchor D. Bruce McGibbon on June 12th, 2023.
Doreen is survived by her children James (Rhonda) McGibbon, their children Zach, Garrett, and Bobbie; and by Brenda (Thomas) Lammi, their children Travis and Ayla. DeeDee’s grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Also survived by her beloved sister Shirley McGonigal of Langley, BC, and big brother Donald Graham, of St Andrews, NB. By beloved nieces and nephews David (Cheryl) Graham, Dale Quick, Richard Graham, Patty (Dave) Sherve, Charlene Graham, Scott (Isabel Saint Laurent) Graham, John (Cathy Fetherstonhaugh) Graham, Sandy Graham, Colleen and Maureen McGonigal. Great nieces and nephews Morgan (Jesse) Sherve-Sawyer, McKenna Sherve, Alex (Lauren) Graham, Brian (Carolyn) Graham, Steven (Brandy) Quick, Marcus Quick, Caine Somers, Ben and Luke Sponagle. Doreen was blessed to see photos of her great great niece, Ellery Sherve-Sawyer, born May 20th ,2023.
Doreen was also predeceased by her parents, Ellery Lloyd and Fanny Edna Graham (nee Horsnell), Ellery Lloyd Graham Junior (Harriet), (Marge), Charles and Marion Graham (nee Steeves) Graham, and sister-in-law Janet Graham (nee Titus).
Doreen graduated as a Registered Nurse from Victoria Public Hospital, Fredericton, NB and received her diploma from McGill University School for Graduate Nurses. She spent her early years as a nurse working at the SickKids Summer Camp outside of Toronto, and these
experiences had a lifelong impact on her.
Doreen worked as a travelling nurse as she joined her Bruce in his military postings around the world. In retirement, she enjoyed travelling, reading, keeping up on her grandchildren and large extended family, and staying in touch with her many friends.
Doreen was a phenomenal athlete, having played on the high school softball team when in grade six, and then on the provincial basketball team for New Brunswick as a teenager. A favourite story of Bruce’s was about a ‘friendly’ badminton game they played while dating. He advised ‘if you ever want to ruin a perfectly good day, play badminton against Doreen’. She focussed on golf as an adult and was a sought-after tournament team player. There was rarely a tournament she didn’t place in the top three, and her name may be found on many tournament trophies and golf club walls.
The outpouring of texts, emails, and phone calls in the past few weeks, and the flowers and cards from across North America, are a testament to Doreen’s kind spirit and the power of friendship. James and Brenda are grateful for every message received, which were read to Doreen in her final days, and for her and Bruce’s network of lifelong friends.
Doreen’s family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to her care team at KGH, Kidd 9 Oncology, and particularly to Dr. George Gray and his team. Dr. Gray was with Doreen since her diagnosis and demonstrated unwavering patience and kindness.
Gen, the caregiver who cared for both Bruce and Doreen in their final days, was the person we didn’t know we needed on this sad journey. She added warmth and love for which we will be forever grateful.
Service plans to follow. In lieu of donations, we request that you consider buying some flowers for someone who would least expect it, watch the sun rise or set, or play a game of cribbage, and think of Doreen.
“May your heart be speechless
At the sight of the truth
Of all belief had hoped,
Your heart breathless
In the light and lightness
Where each and everything
Is at last its true self
Within that serene belonging
That dwells beside us
On the other side
Of what we see.”
For the Dying, John O’Donohue
