ORTRUDE “TRUDY” JOAN GIBBONS (nee SCHNAUFER) July 4, 1932 – Toronto, Ontario May 19, 2017- Calgary, Alberta It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of a dear wife, mother, friend and grandmother, Trudy Gibbons. Trudy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Iain Alleyne Gibbons and her younger siblings Donna and Douglas Schnaufer. Trudy grew up in Toronto where she attended Havergal College. She went on to attend the University of Toronto, taking Physiotherapy there. Trudy and Iain married in 1955 and moved to Sarnia, where Iain started his career with Esso. After stops in Toronto and Vancouver, they came to Calgary. Trudy put her all into raising her three children, son Scott Gibbons (Wendy), daughter Anne Clark and daughter Gail Conway (Phil). Trudy lived for and dearly loved her grandchildren: Mitchell Clark, Carley Chomiak, Lauren McDonald and Bradley and Derek Gibbons. She was also happy to welcome her step-grandchildren, Colby and Sydney Conway to the family. Trudy had many passions in life that she loved to share with family and friends:
She loved the cottage country north of Toronto
She was a natural leader and grew up a proud Girl Guide. She earned her Canada Cord and went on to volunteer for the Girl Guides of Canada, as a district commissioner for many years.
She fell in love with the mountains while working one summer at Chateau Lake Louise and spent many happy years hiking with Iain and the Esso Hiking Group, after Iain was transferred to Calgary.
Trudy had a strong community spirit. She spent a couple of years as President of The Calgary Newcomers Club, raised funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and personally supported a child in need to attend summer camp in Ontario/Alberta every year.
Trudy had fun returning to work part-time at The Alberta Children’s Hospital after her own children were grown and spent many happy years there.
Trudy had a deep love of theatre and the symphony. Some of her happiest memories were dancing in Iain’s arms and taking her children and grandchildren to London to enjoy the West End productions.
Trudy had a great sense of fun and could be counted on for a good laugh. She loved to ride the dumbwaiter at Havergal reunions and she bought herself a little red convertible when she was in her sixties to bomb around town.
Most of all, Trudy loved travelling around the world with her friends, family and grandchildren. She took the grandchildren on special trips to Africa, Asia, South America, the United States and the Caribbean to share with them how wonderfully educational and enlightening seeing the world and getting to know other people and cultures can be. She dreamed of visiting almost every country and continent in the world and she accomplished that mission.
You lived a great life Trudy and we are all thankful to have had you in ours! A Celebration of Life Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, May 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at The Lake House (747 Lake Bonavista Drive S.E.). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1. Tel: 1-866-950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca In living memory of Trudy Gibbons, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB. Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.