It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother Agnes Gibb age 102 on Sunday October 23rd. Born in Croatia in 1920 to parents John and Mary Klanac Agnes emigrated to Fort William when she was 8. She loved learning and soon became fluent in her adopted language. She was the eldest of 5 siblings and so at 16 she had to quit school, enter the workforce and help the family but not before meeting her soulmate Jack Gibb in the High School musical “The Lass Who Loved a Sailor”. Jack sang the lead role of the Sailor and Agnes was in the chorus. Jack and Agnes were married in 1941 and became the parents of 3 children, Jane, Joan and David. They owned Gibb’s Variety on Brock Street in Westfort where Agnes worked while Jack was employed in sales. Agnes developed melanoma and was given a small chance of survival but with her tenacity, love of life and devotion to her family she beat the odds. Later, Jack and Agnes owned Gibb’s Hobby Lobby and ran that successfully until Agnes decided to pursue her life-long passion of nursing. She graduated as an RNA and worked on 2nd Private ward at McKellar hospital and finally the Maternity ward. To this day, mothers who were in her care have expressed their gratitude for her extraordinary dedication and compassion. After retirement, Agnes’ focus became her family of children and grandchildren. She helped with the care of her grandchildren when needed. Indeed, she earned the title of “the Graminator” because, in a loving way, she didn’t tolerate misbehaving.
Agnes was predeceased by her loving husband Jack; her parents John and Mary Klanac; sisters Shirley DeGiacomo, Lucy Susak and Doreen Thornes; brother Joe Klanac and son in law Bob Day, daughter in law Lily Gibb and grandbaby Benjamin Day. Agnes is survived by: her children, Jane McLaren (Minneapolis), Joan Day (Owen Sound) and David Gibb (Cheryl), Thunder Bay; grandchildren Michael McLaren, Chris McLaren, Robin McLaren, Jeremy Day, Tobin Day, Shana Lesperance (Randy), Ryan Gibb, Kaleigh Gibb (Leo) St. Cyr; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the staff of PR Cooke, the Transition Unit and the Daisy wing of Hogarth Riverview for their extraordinary care.
A funeral Mass officiated by Rev. James Panikulam will be held at St Agnes church at 10:30am, Thursday November 3rd. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Joseph’s Care Group or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.