Obituary of Isobel Hagerman Gibbings

ISOBEL HAGERMAN GIBBINGS 1920-2013 On Saturday, June 22, 2013, Isobel passed away peacefully at her home in Regina, SK, at age 93. She is survived by her younger sister, Frances MacFadyen; her only brother Jack Hagerman; and her four children: Gwen Randall Q.C. (Tom Knott) of Calgary, AB; Dr. Wesley Gibbings (Dr. Debra Semeniuk) of Tsawwassen, BC; Robert Gibbings Q.C. (Kate nee Patton) of Saskatoon, SK; and Dr. Elizabeth Gibbings (Dr. Milo Fink) of Regina, SK. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Amelia, Michael and Lucas Fink, and Jeffery, Colin, Graeme and Lindsey Gibbings. Isobel was born in Humboldt, the 7th of nine children, and the 7th daughter. She went to Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, where she was the Senior Pin. She attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1942 with a degree in Household Science. In 1943, she married Charles Gibbings and moved to the farm at Rosetown, SK. In 1955, when Charles became vice-president (later president) of The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the family moved to Regina. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her children received university educations. In preparation, all attended Luther College in Regina. Isobel was also active in volunteer work, for her church, Meals On Wheels, University Women’s Club and the Saskatchewan Home Economics Association, as a member of the University of Regina Senate, and as a foster parent. In her fifties, Isobel taught home economics at O’Neill High School where she added classes on mortgages, insurance and money management, all of which she considered essential for a full curriculum. She also taught her students the secret of her piecrust, and 30-minute meal preparation for working families. An avid golfer, Isobel played regularly at the Wascana Golf and Country Club, where she was active in the organization of the women’s section. Isobel died as she wished in the home that she herself had designed, in Regina. Special thanks go to RQHR Home Care, and in particular caregivers Chic and Sharon, for their devotion. Isobel will be sorely missed. There will be a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to The Seniors Mechanism, #112, 2001 Cornwall Street, Regina, S4P 3X9, or to the Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.ca To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com