MARGARET GIBBS Obituary

GIBBS,

MARGARET WILKINS, 77

Gainesville-Margaret Wilkins Gibbs, 77, died peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2014, in the Oak Hammock Pavilion under the care of Haven Hospice. She had had a long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Margaret was born in Fort Wayne, IN on July 20, 1936, to Robert and Louise Wilkins. She was the youngest of four sisters: Marcia, Irma, Betsy and Margaret. She was graduated from South Side High School and later from the University of Michigan where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. After 7 years of dating she married her high school sweetheart Charlie on August 23rd, 1958, at the Plymouth Congregational Church where she was a member. She then worked as a nurse at Indiana University's Robert Long Hospital, putting Charlie through medical school. Margaret retired from nursing after the birth of the first of her three sons. Thereafter she assumed the full time role of warm and loving mother and wife devoted to the well-being of her family. After several moves for the purposes of education and military service, the family arrived in Gainesville, FL. Florida suited her well as Margaret shared her love of golf and boating with Charlie and the boys almost every weekend. She was an active volunteer with her boys' activities and with the Lady Gator Golf Boosters. In 1986 Margaret and Charlie moved to Denver, CO where she supported Charlie in his new role as Chairman of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado. Entering a new phase of life with her boys now grown, Margaret became a driving force in numerous volunteer activities while fine tuning her golf game. She was active in the Junior League and a steadfast volunteer at the University Hospital. Following retirement in 2002, Charlie and Margaret moved back to Gainesville where they had fond memories, good friends and family, feeling blessed with all three children in the state. It was just prior to this final move that Margaret was diagnosed with her ultimately fatal disease. Nonetheless, she continued to volunteer, often again with the Lady Gator Golf Boosters.

Margaret was preceded in death by two sisters, Betsy and Irma. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Charlie, her sister Marcia, and her three children: Parker (Micaela) of Gainesville, FL, Eric (Lauren) of Orlando, FL, and Gordon (Gina) of Ormond Beach, FL. She is also survived by her five loving grandchildren; Eric, Jr., Stephen, Caroline, Alexandra and Jillian.

Funeral services will be at the Gainesville Country Club Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM. The family requests memorial donations be directed to support Alzheimer's research in the lab of Dr. Borchelt at the University of Florida. Please make donations by check payable to the UF Foundation, PO Box 100243, Gainesville, FL 32610, indicating the donation in memory of Margaret Gibbs.

Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601

(352) 376-5361.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Mar. 24 to Mar. 26, 2014.
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Dear Charlie and all the family,

Our hearts and prayers are with you today as you gather to remember Margaret, surrounded by family and friends who cherished her.

We will always remember her bright smile and her love for her family. She left a legacy of wonderful families of her children and grandchildren who loved her dearly.

She will be sorely missed, but we take great consolation in knowing that she has gone home to the loving God Who made us all and that she is free at last of the bonds that imprisoned her in the last few years.

Sincerely, Rowena and Bill Morris

March 27, 2014

Parker and Micaela, we are so sorry for your loss. Margaret had a wonderful life and was blessed to have you close by for her final years.

Chris and Maureen Needles

March 27, 2014

Margaret, I remember so well the first time we met in 1972 like it was yesterday. Charlie, you can take comfort that she is in a better place now.

Bob and Margie Kirby

March 26, 2014

What a beautiful life lived. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Gibbs and his family during this difficult time.

Ricky McHugh

March 26, 2014

My condolence to the Gibbs Family. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. -Isaiah 61:1,2
-Catherine

March 25, 2014

Margaret, you will be truly missed. I enjoyed the time that God blessed me with making you a part of my life. Even in your struggle with Alzheimer's you always managed to clearly say "thank you". May God be with you Charlie, Parker, Eric, & Gordon during this time. I can still see that beautiful smile..I Love You Margaret!!!

LaTanya Blunt

March 25, 2014

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311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601-1803

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