Obituary of Olive Gibbs

Olive Gibbs passed away at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, on Monday, September 9, 2013 after a short and peaceful stay. Olive Gibbs was a "gentle beam of living love" to all who were fortunate to know her. Her kind character is a cherished memory to son Brent (Despina Georgas) Gibbs of Toronto, and daughter Donna (Stephen) Carpenter of Conestogo. Olive was so much in love with grandchildren Caitlin Carpenter, of Waterloo; Griffin Carpenter, of London, UK; William (Alana) Georgas and great-granddaughter Lia, of Toronto. She is predeceased by loving husband Charles William "Bill" Gibbs. Olive was born and raised in a large, active family in Winnipeg. Olive was reluctant to leave Winnipeg, but felt impelled to find work in Toronto "just for a year." That year included meeting her true soul-mate, Bill Gibbs, and the two formed a remarkable and devoted marriage for 62 years. Olive's early life was marked by a rigorous grounding in the best of literature, opera, and a cultivation of high ideals. Her character was marked by spiritual and intellectual curiosity. She was a person unafraid of change, interested in big things, but happy in small ways. Olive was unfailingly kind to everyone she encountered, and was open-minded and inclusive. Most importantly, Olive was a devout student of the Bible. She was a life-long Christian Scientist, and was unvarying in applying religious principles to all aspects of her life and affairs. She was very "quality conscious" and kept constant guard over thought, action, and speech to make sure all consistently reflected her highest standards—and she never made compromises for convenience or for distractions of worldliness. Her wisdom, insight, and powerful prayers were sought out by family. Olive will be much missed and lovingly remembered by family and friends. Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 2-4 pm. A private family service will be held with interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Kitchener, or to the Salvation Army (www.SalvationArmy.ca) or by contacting the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com