The World’s Best Mom – aka Jean Gibson (nee Kelly) passed away on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Sunrise of Thornhill in her 83rd year.

Jean was never happier than when she was surrounded by friends and family, and passed away peacefully with her daughter Catherine Gibson and son-in law Matthew (Ferguson) by her side.

Jean devoted many years to being a loving Mom to her two daughters before returning to work and filled her home with love, baked goods and music. She was an accomplished singer, often being asked to perform at events in her younger years, and continued to sing throughout her life.

Jean was very proud of her Irish roots with St. Patrick’s Day being a very important event in the house, second (possibly) only to her love of Christmas. Jean always talked fondly of growing up as the “baby” of nine children in her very close knit family in Hawkesbury, Ontario and missed her Mom and siblings dearly, who all predeceased her.

Jean had a great sense of humour, loved to laugh and made fast friends wherever she went, including many in her adopted home of Oshawa which she moved to in the 1960s. She approached all tasks with a tenacious work ethic, including her long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Perhaps owing to her Irish heritage, she was always though ready to stop everything to care or cook for friends and family – there was no such thing as too much food!

For those able and wishing to donate in Jean’s memory, the family suggests donating to your local humane society in honour of Jean’s deep love for cats and indeed all animals.

The family is planning to have a celebration of Jean’s life and raise a glass in her honour at a later date to be announced.