Heather Joy Gibbon

Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Heather Joy Gibbon, age 77, who passed away suddenly and peacefully at Westview Health Centre in Stony Plain, Alberta.

Heather was born in Gillingham, England, to Frank and Patricia Gibbon (née McSweeney). At just three years old, she moved with her family to Sarnia, Ontario, where she grew up, built her life, and eventually met and married the love of her life, Stephen Francoeur Sr.

Together, Heather and Stephen built a family of their own and were blessed with three sons: Stephen Francoeur Jr. (predeceased), James Francoeur, and Michael Francoeur.

Heather's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving grandmother to Krystal Grondin (née Francoeur), Sean Francoeur, Chaline Francoeur-Scaife, Rodney Belward, Robby Evans, Nick Garant, Pat Garant, Amber Garant, and Robby Garant, and a proud great-grandmother to Kaiana, Issac, Zavier, Ezra, Connor, Ragan, and Emma. She was also a cherished auntie to Gregory, Michelle, and Lisa.

But to know Heather was to know that her love extended far beyond the people she called family.

Heather was a vibrant, beautiful soul who loved hard and loved deeply. She had a heart that seemed to have room for everyone—whether it was family and friends, someone who simply needed a little kindness, or a furry animal in need of a home. She had a particular soft spot for animals, including strays, and Lulu held a very special place in her heart.

Heather spent much of her working life caring for others. She devoted many years to working with people with intellectual disabilities, a role that reflected the compassion and patience she carried naturally. Later in life, she began a new chapter and worked as a security guard at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake.

Retirement gave Heather the opportunity to slow down and make room for some of the simple things she loved. She enjoyed writing children's books, getting lost in a good book, going for walks, and listening to the oldies on Sunday mornings while making breakfast. And, of course, no day was quite complete without one of her beloved After Eight mints at the end of the evening.

Heather was not someone who could ever be summed up by a list of accomplishments or dates. She was warm, spirited, compassionate, and wonderfully herself. She loved with her whole heart, sometimes fiercely, sometimes loudly, but always genuinely. She left pieces of herself in the lives of the people she cared for, and those pieces will remain long after her sudden departure.

Her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot quite express. For those who loved Heather, there will be countless little reminders of her—the sound of an old song on a Sunday morning, a familiar book, a quiet walk, the sweetness of an After Eight, or the sight of an animal who needs a little extra love.

We will remember her not simply for the years she lived, but for the love she gave so freely during them.

Heather will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.