Obituary of Ruth Gibson

GIBSON: Ruth (née Johnston)

In loving memory of Ruth, who found her peace on April 10, 2025.

Ruth was born in Toronto and attended Lord Dufferin Public School and Jarvis Collegiate.

Graduating from Toronto Teachers’ College, Ruth became a Primary Specialist with the majority of her career spent at Secord Public School in East York.

Faith and Music played a huge part throughout her life and she met her beloved Irishman, Charlie, while performing in the choir at a St. Patrick’s Day Service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. They married in 1953 and enjoyed 62 very happy and adventurous years together.

After retirement, Ruth & Charlie moved to Port 32 in Bobcaygeon. Heaven on Earth for them both. They kept busy with many Community organizations (Environmental Action Bobcaygeon, Farmers Market, Wilderness Park), social activities, hobbies and travel.

Following Charlie’s passing, in September 2015, Ruth was one of the first residents to move to Harmony Hill Retirement Community (Oshawa) where she made many good friends. We have great memories of her touring the still under construction site in safety hat and boots. Mom loved the social activities - Choir, playing the piano, dancing, concerts, theatre trips and exercise groups. She also kept busy with her painting (oil, acrylic, watercolour) and sewing projects.

Ruth & Charlie had four children, Karen (Liam), Heather (Mike), David (Sian), Glenn (Daphne), nine wonderful grandchildren and three beautiful great-grandchildren.

Mom leaves so many beautiful memories of her active and joyful, spirited life. 

Providing a wee smile, family & close friends will always remember her fondness for sweets, particularly chocolate.

Our entire family is so appreciative for the wonderful Harmony Hill team who truly cared for her over the years.

Our Family was beyond blessed to have this strong woman filled with boundless energy, curiosity and love in our lives.

Ruth’s lifelong motto, as a mother, grandmother, teacher, citizen, was the Golden Rule “Treat others as you would have them treat you”. 

Being kind to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

Arrangements entrusted to THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES-MONK CHAPEL.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Bobcaygeon Helps Food bank, and may be made by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705 738-3222.