Obituary of Francine Joan Gibel

May 19, 1961 - August 1, 2022 (age 61)

She made the world a better place! Francine was thoughtful and caring. She touched and enriched the lives of so many people.

Wife and soulmate of Cliff Pointer. Cherished by siblings Paul (Sandra), John (Lori), Anne Marie, and Pete (Janice). Adored aunt of Daniel, David, Emily, Jenna, Mark, Stephen, Scott and Joseph. Loving Godmother of Tim (Nicolette). Remembered fondly by Cliff’s step-mother Tracey Pointer. 

Predeceased by her mother, Anne and father, Joseph (Joe) who owned Gibel Sunoco for many years. Also predeceased by Cliff’s father, Reg Pointer.

Fondly remembered by her aunts, uncles and many cousins and friends. Treasured friend and partner-in-crime of Lindsay Restagno. 

Francine grew up in Waterloo, spent time in Vancouver and the last 20+ years in Burlington. She was an honours graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s BBA program and earned an MBA from the University of British Columbia. She had a successful marketing career and ran her own small businesses.

Francine was incredibly thoughtful and caring!  She was renowned for sending cards (many of which were homemade masterpieces) to celebrate every special occasion, keeping in touch with friends and relatives, and dedicating her time to making other people smile. Even during her cancer journey, she always put others first and tried to make them feel better by sending jokes every night. She had an intelligent, quick wit and a fantastic sense of humour.

Francine had a thirst for knowledge and an adventurous spirit. She loved the outdoors and was an active walker, swimmer, and hiker. She travelled to over 40 countries including Egypt, Japan, Australia, the South Pacific, and most of Europe.  Her kindness and curiosity were apparent as she met people around the world.

Francine was especially creative. She was a talented artist and painter and continued to paint throughout her life.  She wrote amazing poems. She was a very good seamstress, making some of her own clothes and even making a tuxedo for Stuey. She played piano, and for many years, she sang in the St. Louis Church folk choir.  She was the first female commentator at St. Agnes church in the 1970’s. 

Francine was resilient and unbelievably optimistic despite many health challenges on her cancer journey. She was an inspiration to her family, friends, and everyone who crossed her path. Her strength and positivity will be deeply missed. 

Thanks to Mike and Barb Lorentz and Janet and Maureen Williamson for helping Francine get to her many appointments and supporting her and Cliff. Special thanks to Dr. K. (Agnes Kuskowski) for enriching her happiness. 

Memorial donations to the Carpenter Hospice https://www.thecarpenterhospice.com/support-us/make-a-donation/ or Juravinski Cancer Centre of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation https://www.hamiltonhealth.ca/donate would be appreciated and may also be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com   A special thank you to the exceptional nurses at the Carpenter Hospice and on the Oncology Floor of Juravinski Hospital.

Francine’s Celebration of Life will begin at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo with visitation from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.  The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis RC Church, 53 Allen St. E., Waterloo on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.  Reception at St. Louis Church Hall will follow the interment.