OBITUARY: ROBERTA GIBSON, 94, TEACHER, ARTIST, BAKER, GARDENER, CHERISHED PARENT, GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT GRANDMA TO 30 OFFSPRING

GIBSON, Roberta Blanche Hazel Marion (née Shaw)

March 11, 1931 ~ February 9, 2026

Roberta passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in her 95th year, following a brief illness.

She left this world surrounded by the love of her family, having lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life, grounded in kindness, dedication and quiet joy.

Born on March 11, 1931, in Midland, Ontario, Roberta grew up in a close-knit family.

She was predeceased by her beloved brothers, Martin Shaw (Mary) and Jim Shaw (Vivian), whose memories she carried with her throughout her life.

From an early age, Roberta showed a natural curiosity and a passion for learning, which led her to pursue a career in education. She graduated from the Ontario Teachers College in 1950 and began her teaching career in a one-room rural schoolhouse in Apto, Ontario —a setting that demanded creativity, patience, and a genuine love for children.

Those early years shaped her lifelong commitment to nurturing others, a quality that defined her both in the classroom and at home.

Roberta Gibson, 94, moved to Gravenhurst in the fall of 1997, with her husband Al. They welcomed the move to the small town not far from where she was born in Midland. And they immediately embraced their new home, community and home and gardens near the Muskoka Steamships. They were married 74 years. PHOTOS Gibson family

In 1952, Roberta married the love of her life, Harold Alexander (Al) Gibson.

Their marriage spanned a remarkable 74 years, a testament to her enduring devotion, mutual respect and shared laughter through life’s many seasons.

Together, the couple built a warm and welcoming home filled with family, friends, and the simple pleasures that mattered most to them.

Roberta was a devoted mother to her five children: the late Jane Manley (Tom), Tom Gibson (Marianne), Jim Gibson (Rosemary), Jill Gibson (Fernando Esposito) and Tim Gibson (Kaori).

She delighted in their individual paths and took immense pride in their accomplishments. Her role as a grandmother to 15 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 10 brought her boundless happiness; she cherished every moment spent with them, whether sharing stories, baking treats, or simply watching them grow.

Beyond her family, Roberta found profound contentment in the everyday joys that enriched her days.

An accomplished cook, she loved preparing hearty meals and baking from scratch, often filling her home with the comforting aromas of fresh bread or homemade pies.

She also had a creative spirit that shone through her painting in which she captured scenes from nature and family life with delicate brushstrokes.

Crocheting was another cherished pastime; she crafted countless Afghan quilts, baby blankets, and keepsakes that remain treasured by loved ones who received her personal gifts.

Roberta graduated from the Ontario Teachers College in 1950 and began her teaching career in a one-room rural schoolhouse in Apto, Ontario —a setting that demanded creativity, patience, and a genuine love for children. This is one of her great paintings of her first schoolhouse.

Her passion for horticulture transformed her garden into a vibrant haven of flowers and plants, which she tended with care and patience.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, she followed her favourite teams with enthusiasm and enjoyed friendly games with family.

Above all, her dogs held a special place in her heart; they were loyal companions who brought her daily delight and unconditional love.

Roberta’s life was a beautiful example of grace, resilience and the power of small acts of love.

She approached each day with gratitude, finding beauty in the ordinary and strength in quiet perseverance.

Though she is deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the traditions she passed down, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit.

She and Al, who welcomed their move from Toronto to Gravenhurst in the fall of 1997 — just up from the Segwun — were often seen with their teenaged black labs walking down to Lake Muskoka nearby.

And they would wave to new friends inside their homes or stop for a quick chat through the window while receiving warm neighbourly waves as they cheered the Gibsons on their daily walks.

Roberta and Al — who were active members of the Gravenhurst Horticultural Society for years — would often admire the gardens and yards along Bay Street and compliment other green thumbers on their landscapes. While sometimes taking home some of those tips they found for their own gorgeous flowerbeds adorning and facing their Greavette Street residence.

Not that they needed much help with a beautiful bungalow and large back yard gardens of their own that they both lovingly tended till the end.

A green thumb, Roberta won many ribbons and awards while a long-time member of the Gravenhurst Horticultural Society at their annual summer flower shows.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A celebration of Roberta’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family and friends in due course.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in Roberta’s memory to Andy’s House, Hospice Muskoka, located in Port Carling, Ontario, where she passed away this week.

This wonderful organization provides compassionate, home-like palliative care and invaluable support to individuals and families facing end-of-life journeys in south Muskoka. Care that aligned closely with the dignity and warmth Roberta valued throughout her life.

Donations can be made through Hospice Muskoka’s website or by contacting them directly or going to their website at: https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/andyshouse

Rest in peace, our dearest Roberta.

Your light continues to shine in all of us who knew and loved you.