MARGARET I. "GIBBY" GIBSON

GIBSON, MARGARET I. "GIBBY"

Longtime civic-minded Ithaca resident Margaret I. Gibson, also known as "Gibby", died January 22, 2013, after a short illness. The daughter of Alfred L. and Edith R. O'Brien Gibson, Margaret was born November 2, 1925, in Newcastle, Ontario, Canada. One of six children, she emigrated from Canada to the United States with her family in 1933. She attended high school in Cortland, and attended Southern Seminary in Virginia now known as Sothern Virginia University. Her first job was at G.L.F. (Grange League Federation) in Ithaca, where she oversaw printed publications and marketing. She also worked at Babcock Poultry Farm and Rumcill Advertising Agency. In 1965 Gibby took the position of Director of Publications at Ithaca College. Coming to the college in its early years on South Hill she helped it grow into the institution it is today. She oversaw all print and marketing materials and designed the College Seal to celebrate the institutions' 75th anniversary, which is still used today. Retiring from Ithaca College in 1988, after 23 years, Gibby is still remembered as the person who at a critical time in the institution's history stepped forward to help craft the image of the college. Margaret's community work is legendary. It could be raising money for a garden space for seniors, or helping to develop a preschool program for children with autism, she wanted to make a difference. Her love for both the Cortland and Ithaca communities inspired her to provide leadership for a host of organizations. Gibby served on many board including; The Ladies Union Benevolent Society, The 1890 House museum, The Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation, and Franziska Racker Centers where she was also the Co-Chair of the "Making Room" Capital Campaign, helping to surpass the $3.5 million dollar goal. She touched the lives of so many through her charity work. Among the many organizations she championed were; Friends of Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland, Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cayuga Medical Center, the McGraw House, the 1890 House Museum, The Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation, the YWCA of Cortland, St. John's Episcopal Church, The Kitchen Theatre, and Franziska Racker Centers. Margaret's philanthropic sprit was honored with many awards including, the SUNY Cortland Presidential Philanthropy Medal, and the 2003 AFP Philanthropist of the Year Award. She will be remembered as a little lady with a big heart, a great sense of enthusiasm for life, and a wicked sense of humor. Margaret is survived by her brother: Thomas (Ruth) Gibson of Cortland, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Jean E. Gibson Suarez of Cincinnatus, and Mary E. Gibson Sterling of Arizona, and her brothers Murray O. Gibson of Connecticut, and Charles A. Gibson of Cortland. Funeral Services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 210 North Cayuga St., in Ithaca, on Saturday February 2, 2013. Calling hours will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the celebration of her life beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, consider some of her favorite charities: Franziska Racker Centers - 3226 Wilkins Rd., Ithaca; St. John's Episcopal Church - 210 North Cayuga St., Ithaca; The 1890 House Museum - 37 Tompkins St. in Cortland; or Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation - P.O. Box 288 in Cortland.