GIBBONS, Gloria Jean Gibbons

Of Walford passed away at Health Sciences North in Sudbury on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her family, and so much love.

Gloria was born on March 31st, 1948, in Cape Town, South Africa. At the age of 4, she came to Canada with her parents, the late Hartley & Dorothy Maude Howell.

Gloria met the love of her life, John Gibbons, on a blind date, set up by her childhood best friend Darlene Gibbons (who was married to John’s brother Paul!), during the May Long Weekend of 1969. She knew he was her soul mate, and he knew just as well. They got married on June 6th, 1970. They lived in Toronto before they bought their first home in Alcona Beach (now known as Innisfil), where they raised their daughter, Christina Gibbons (Kyle). Throughout the next 30 years, they lived in Barrie, Whitefish, Espanola, and finally settled in Walford.

Gloria worked at the Eatons Warehouse in Toronto for 25 years, before deciding to devote her life to being the best stay at home wife and mom we could have ever asked for.

Cherished grandmother to Kylee (Christian) & Kingston.

Loving great-grandmother to Bentley & McKinley.

Dear sister of the late Arthur & Ted Howell.

Will be deeply missed by best friend Linda Claridge of Barrie.

Gloria will forever remain in the hearts of many relatives in South Africa, whom she loved dearly, and thoroughly enjoyed her FaceTime calls with. She also had a deep love for her family in Newfoundland and Tennessee. Family was the most important to Gloria, near or far, she loved them immensely.

In true Gloria fashion, she remained her spicy, feisty, stubborn self right to the end. We will never forget her humor and sharp-witted remarks.

Will also be sadly missed by many friends and relatives, and terribly missed by her fur-babies Bailey, Mocha, and Foxy.

Flowers or cards may be sent to John Gibbons, 34 Menard Crescent, Walford, ON., P0P 2E0. For those who wish, expressions of sympathy may also be shared through a memorial contribution by e-transfer to jdgibbons843@gmail.com, to assist the family with expenses during this difficult time.

Cremation with a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements by BOURCIER FUNERAL HOME, Ltd., Espanola.