Obituary of Maureen Patricia Giberson

GIBERSON:  Maureen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maureen Giberson. Fred Israels, her wonderful husband, and Scott Coolman, her favorite son, were the two loves of her life.  She loved and adored her daughter in law Jody Coolman and Grand Daughter Madison.  Maureen was fortunate to work in the education system for 40 years. Although starting in the elementary system Maureen also worked at the secondary and college levels. She had unique experiences working with the Family Court Clinic, the London Psychiatric Hospital, and Fanshawe College. Maureen enjoyed working with students that were vulnerable and those that struggled to fit into the education system.  Working with students, colleagues, and other professionals was extremely rewarding.  Often creating new programs and pursuing social issues especially for girls and young women, was a passion for Maureen. She was respected by her students and colleagues for her efforts. 

Her personal life included travel with her husband and Scott and his family. Many years were spent travelling to St Martin her favorite place in the sun.  Decorating her homes, gardening, antiquing, quiet reading, and spending time with close friends were fulfilling and rewarding.  Maureen was a woman with a kind heart, creative mind and brave soul.  She was a very special person.  Fred and Maureen had a very unique relationship. For 28 years they had worked hard to build a very successful life together. They worked hard and played hard, enjoying life to the fullest. Over the 28 years they took over 60 trips. Especially over the past 6 years, when she became ill again, they were determined to live a full life which they did.  During that time trips to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New York City, and Eastern Canada were made. What her friends will remember is her genuine concern for them and her interest in their lives. We will all miss her presence, wisdom and wit. Her immediate family will miss playing our games together which usually was won by Maureen. She was lucky and skilled at the same time.

Maureen wishes to express sincere gratitude to her amazing husband Fred, Scott, Jody and Madison, her oncologists Dr. Vandenberg and Dr. Andrews, and the cancer nurses who were so caring and compassionate during her long struggle with cancer.  Dr. Vandenberg called Maureen an outlier, different from most patients in her amazing and lengthy response to her treatments.  To have Maureen with us for so long was so special. Her oncologists made that possible was well as her fighting spirit.

Cremation and burial is at Woodland Cemetery. No funeral will be held.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later time. 

As her memorial stone says, Maureen would really rather be at the beach with her longtime soulmate Fred and her loving son Scott, Jody and Madison.  Donations in her name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.woodlandcemetery.on.ca  Condolences can be sent to f.israels@rogers.com.