On November 16, 2012, Marjorie Marie Gibbons (Tobin) whispered her final farewell to her family and friends. Throughout the course of her short illness, we were blessed by the support of tremendous family and friends.

Our friends, coworkers, and former colleagues have been and continue to be a source of strength to each of us. You have been there for us through your many acts of kindness. Thank you for sharing your words, time, gifts of nourishment, remembrances of Marge, and most importantly your friendship with each of us.

There are no appropriate words to describe how family bonds can be further strengthened as you care for your loving wife, mother, and sister. However, Marge’s illness afforded us some very special moments with her siblings and family before her passing. For this, we are truly grateful. Marge thrived on having people around her, and these precious family moments together with all of you were her final gift to us.

Marge, a woman of quiet but unwavering Roman Catholic faith, was truly grateful for the many visits and prayers from the clergy and members of the Holy Redeemer Parish throughout her five month illness. Her daily novenas coupled with other special prayers gave us all the resilience to stay strong throughout her final days.

On November 19, 2012, Marge’s life was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer Parish. This beautiful commemoration was led by family, friends, the Holy Redeemer Pastoral Team, and Fillatre’s Funeral Homes. A special thank you is extended to Monsignor Edwin Gale and fellow priests for their spirituality throughout her final days and during the funeral service.

A special thank you is also expressed to all those who shared their musical gifts with us at the funeral. To Wendy Woodland and Wayne Thompson, your musical presence before the mass was truly uplifting. To the members of the choir, your musical song and presence meant so much to the whole family. To cantor Lisa Doucette and organist Marjorie Hannon, please accept our deepest appreciation for being such an integral part of another family celebration.

For our friends and family members who participated in the liturgy and those who were ushers and pallbearers, please accept our sincere thank you for taking the time to be with us on such a heartfelt occasion. The funeral service was made complete with the compassion and tenderness shown by Fillatre’s Funeral Home. The family expresses a genuine thank you to Florence, Laura and Glen, Peg and Keith for being there for us and allowing us to say farewell to Marge in such a tender way.

Throughout her illness, Marge was blessed with an abundance of angels who will never be forgotten. Thank you to her retired colleagues Ruth Pullin and Sylvia Ringer for your constant support during Marge’s illness. You were there every time she needed your love. Thank you to family friends, Dr. Joanne McIntyre, Dr. Jim Tierney, and Dr. Ed Mercer for holding our hands steady and sharing in your wisdom. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Melissa O’Brien who gained the love and support of our family as she cared for Marge this past year.

The health care teams at Western Health, the Dr. Bliss Murphy Centre, and the Western Regional Cancer Centre are applauded for their professionalism in treating Marge in such a gracious manner. A health care worker for over 30 years, Marge was the recipient of the type of care she gave to others which was one of privacy, dignity, and respect. For this, she often whispered “Thank You”.

The Palliative Care Team at Western Memorial is deserving of the title - The Finest in the World. Words cannot describe the impact you left on Marge and our family as you cared and loved her throughout her final months. Thank you to Director Eileen Coombs, Dr. Desiree Dunn, Dr. Dennis Rashleigh, and the wonderful staff of Palliative Care for all you do and continue to do.

The Western Regional Cancer Centre also holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you for caring for Marge as she underwent chemotherapy. Also, thank you for supporting Sean and providing us with strength and courage throughout Marge’s illness. A special thank you is also extended to Janice Manuel, Dr. Healey, and all the angels at the Western Cancer Centre.

Our family has been blessed with the support of so many close friends. You all have been phenomenal. The daily visits and phone calls from Margaret Renouf and Betty and Dennis Waterman will never be forgotten. To Barbara Ann Dunphy and Maureen Hughes, thank you for being by Denise’s side especially during the last few weeks of Marge’s illness. Your selfless acts will always be cherished.

To our family members who held our hand, shared their homes with us, travelled to be with us and were always with us in spirit – thank you. You are all so loved and so appreciated.

To all of our friends, there are so many of you that went above the call of duty for us. We will always remember the kindness shown to us as we cared and comforted Marge during her final months and days. Your presence enabled Marge to truly understand how much she was loved by all those she touched. For this we are forever grateful.

With our gratitude, Seumas, Denise, Gerry, and Gerry, Sean, Nancy, and Tia Shaye

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John Fitzgerald Kennedy