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BORN
1932
DIED
2017
Rachel Gibson Obituary
June 7, 1932-February 1, 2017
Resident of San Jose
Rachel Ruby Gibson passed away on February 1, 2017 due to complications of Parkinson's Disease. She lived her life for her children and family, overcoming numerous disabilities to lead a full life to the end. She will be missed by all she touched.
Rachel was born in Mazatlán, Mexico and immigrated to the United States in 1943. She graduated from Monterey High School in Monterey, California and went to work as a cannery worker on Monterey's Cannery Row. After attending Cosmetology school, Rachel became a hairdresser owning her own beauty shop in Monterey. Later she worked as a rectory housekeeper for St. Angela's Catholic Church in Pacific Grove. Rachel was deeply involved with St. Angela's Catholic community where she taught Sunday school, and created the parish's Virgin De Guadalupe celebration. She moved to San Jose in 1998.
She was a great cook and she loved feeding a small family or hundreds of her fellow parishioners. She enjoyed a good laugh with her family and many friends, watching movies, and praying the rosary daily.
Rachel is survived by her husband, Donald; devoted children Patricia Rios Gibson (Mark) of San Jose, Minty Gibson Snow (Hank) of Monterey, and Michael Gibson of San Jose; and grandchildren Alexa Snow of Carmel Valley, Taylor Snow and Sophie Snow of Monterey, Jeimy McDonald of San Diego, Esteban McDonald of Seattle, WA and one great-grandchild, Scarlett Connelly.
She is also survived by her sister, Lupe Rios, and brothers Armando and Rene Rios.
We look forward to hearing your laughter again, Dearest Mami.
A quiet family service has already taken place. In Rachel's memory, the family asks that donations be made to the Parkinson's Institute: 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085, www.thepi.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Gibson
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
3 Entries
Lupe & Rachel July 2016
Lupe Rios
June 22, 2017
Mt my one and only sister, you left us but I know you had to go to your Heavenly reward. I miss you very much, the times we shared in person and talking on the phone. One thing gives me consolation and that is that you are with Jesus and all the family that has gone before us. You are truly at peace and happy. You were always there for all of us, we were blessed with your presence. I look forward to seeing you again my dear sister and best friend and I know you are waiting for me. -- Your Little Sister Lupe
June 20, 2017
Rachel, your cooking, your smile, your laughter, I've thought of you often over the years. You are with God, Bobbie Morrison
Randy Rios
June 20, 2017
Aunt Rachel,
It is hard to believe your now in Heaven, with my Mom Arlene, both of you now dancing with the Angels. It seems like just yesterday you and her were both here with me. I remember growing up, my Mom and I would come to your house everyday after school and you and her would visit for hours at your kitchen table. I also remember the many times, when I was older, I would call you and you were always ready for one of my adventures, whether it be going out to dinner, a movie or a road trip out of town where we would order the entire dessert cart and have it delivered to our hotel room, you were always ready to go with me! I will always remember your infectious laugh, the great meals you served, your homemade tortillas... but mostly how much you loved your family and always took great care of all of us.
For me, you were always there to lend an ear, give good advice or offer a shoulder to cry on. You were nicknamed " Mother Superior" because you were the matriarch of our family. Your passing has left an enormous emptiness in our family that can never be filled.
The only happiness our family has now is knowing your healthy and dancing with the Angels all day long, in your new home... which is "Heaven". Rest in Peace, Love you Lots, Your nephew Randy.
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