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Renee Gibbons Obituary
An activist, writer, singer, actor, world traveler and bon vivant, Renee did everything you longed to do (and did it without making you jealous or resentful.)
Renee was born in Dublin, Ireland, one of seven children: Sean, Kala, Gemma, Fiona, Veronica and Patrick.
Renee is survived by her soulmate Lew Gibbons, a radical longshoreman from San Francisco she met on a ship bound for Egypt.
Renee leaves a daughter, Ashling "Biscuit" Cole, and grandchildren, Alanna Renee and Ronnie Lewis Cole: all incredibly beautiful and ridiculously talented. For those of you with plain, dull progeny she apologizes; she wasn't trying to show off.
She also leaves Lew's children and their partners: Niki (Michael Rogala), Jody (Michael Monahan), Kevin (Rebecca Rhine).
Renee was known for her passion for causes: the environment, human rights and especially workers' rights. If her life has been an inspiration, and you'd like to emulate her, an easy way to start would be by making a donation to Planned Parenthood, Breast Cancer Action or Disarm.
To hear Renee's story in her own voice, the audio version of her memoir Longing for Elsewhere: My Irish Voyage Through Hunger, History, and High Times, is at itunes.
A celebration of Renee's life will be held on Friday February 5 2016, 2:00 PM at the San Francisco Columbarium, One Loraine Court.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Renee Gibbons
Anna Waclawiczek
January 21, 2016
I am the step-daughter of late SF artist Jack Freeman (1938-2014) and am so sorry to hear of Renee's passing. In sorting through Jack's vast oeuvre of paintings since he passed, I came across a wonderful oil portrait Jack did of Renee a while back. I would love to give it to the family if they are interested in having it. Please contact me at [email protected] to arrange if interested.
Aline O'Brien
January 4, 2016
Sorry to learn of Renee's passing. We (my late husband Rod Wolfer, our daughter Deirdre and I) were friendly neighbors in North Beach back in the '70s and '80s. In love may she return again.
December 30, 2015
Lew and Ashling,
So sorry to hear of Renee's passing. She was a lovely bright light that will watch over you from above. My deepest condolences to you both.
Pamela Piccinini
Terre Holland
December 29, 2015
So sorry to learn about the passing of Miss Renee .Ashling prayers go out to you from the East coast.
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December 29, 2015
Lew, Jody, Niki, Kevin and Ashling,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your families. Renee was a beautiful woman and I am so grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing her for these many years. You are all in my heart right now and I send love from all of our family - Rita, Bill, Paul and me,
Anna
Patrice C
December 29, 2015
May your brilliant glow of starlight shine forever
Elizabeth Creely
December 24, 2015
I met Renee in 2013. That was the year the California Historical Society asked me to use the diaries of Bridget and Denis Oliver, two emigrants from Ireland who lived in San Francisco in the mid-1800's, as the basis for a dramatic reading. Renee read the part of Bridget Oliver. Although the subject matter was challenging, Renee rose to the occasion and brought her warmth and empathy to bear. Renee's intuitive reading was a moving and memorable evocation of Bridget's life in San Francisco.
Her performance was doubly impressive given that she had recently discovered that her cancer had returned. "The show must go on," she said, and it did. It was a brilliant evening. We at the Irish American Crossroads Festival felt privileged and honored to have Renee read this material.
I will never forget Renee: her warmth, her relaxation, her discernment, and her expansive heart.
She was the best- the real deal, a majestic and proud Irishwoman, and I am so happy that I got to know her.
Many blessings and condolences to her daughter, grandchildren and loving husband.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Rosiland Triche'-Roberts
December 24, 2015
Will always remember your spirit oversees in Greece, we had a wonderful time meeting you on board. My husband and I are remembering your beautiful smile! God gains an Angel, praying for Ashley may GOD heal you over time, nothing like losing a Mother, I truly know the feeling...God Bless!
Olevia & Brad Moss
December 24, 2015
While standing in the US Customs line, we met 2 amazing women named Renee and Ashling. Our lives were touch with sweet love. I will forever cherish her book and a special message she wrote in it for me.
Welcome Home Renee.
Welcome Home.
"Where am I?" .... God said, you have arrived Elsehere.
Gail Harper
December 24, 2015
I am so honored to have known Renee during the last couple of years of her life. She was truly dazzling, a rare person who was always present in the moment. Renee did not sweat the small stuff, and was ever up for a concert or a trip. I just adored her. Love and condolences to Lew, Ashling, and the rest of Renee's remarkable family.
Rebecca Amezcua
December 23, 2015
Will always remember her beautiful SMILE! R.I.P.
Kim Horn
December 23, 2015
Just want to give my condolences. I hope that as time goes by, you won't forget. For no one can take away your precious memories that you have of this beautiful Matriarch of your family Ashling. I haven't known you long. But if your mom was anything like you, she was a beautiful lady inside and out
Love to you all. Kim Horn
Vicki Murray
December 23, 2015
I knew immediately why Ashling was such a great person after the chance meeting of Renee at a Prince concert. You just don't come across people like her very often, nor do you forget them. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
December 23, 2015
I loved being with Renee. I loved meeting her on the street or anywhere. I'll never forget when we met walking the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral...It was something very special like running into a fellow traveler along the path. Renee had a vibrant life overflowing with love, travel and loyal friends , a life that most people would never dream of or have the courage to pursue...I will miss you Renee but I will always carry you with me in my heart. Love to Lew, Aisling and all the family...bless you all.
December 23, 2015
Renee, A beautiful presence on Earth. A lovely light in the Heavens. Love and prayers to Ashling and her family. Steve & Carmen Greene
Pat'n Lisa
December 23, 2015
So many songs in your heart...so lovely to have spent some time with you down here...Lew will be well loved...Happy trails and sweet repose. Lisa'n Pat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9xD-4X38tY
When the ocean sings our song.
Jeremiah Keogh
December 23, 2015
Welcome, O life! I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race.
James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
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