Isabelle Patricia Gibson

Isabelle was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to Francis and Isabella O’Connor, and she was a long-time resident of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In retirement, she and her husband relocated to Garner, North Carolina, a town outside of Raleigh, to be closer to their granddaughters. Isabelle was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Isabella O’Connor, and her brother, Frank O’Connor.

As a sophomore at St. Katherine’s Catholic High School, she first met Daniel F. Gibson (affectionately known to her as “Danny”) in 1963. Meeting while drag racing helped set the tone for their relationship–unwavering commitment, trust, and just the right amount of rule-breaking. She quickly fell in love with Danny’s kindness and he fell in love with her spirit. They were married on April 19, 1969, and recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary.

As a child, Isabelle enjoyed spending time outside and caring for animals, a passion she continued throughout her life. She was devoted to her older brother, Frank, and treasured her life-long friendship with Catherine Carlin O’Rourke, whom she lovingly referred to as “family.”

Isabelle deeply loved her family–immediate and extended. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Gibson, her daughters, Robin Gibson and Danielle Gibson Stewart, granddaughters, Kira Bryant, Emily and Maggie Stewart, and son-in-law, Andrew Stewart.

Cherished as Aunt Izzy, she made every effort to visit her extended family as often as possible and if she could not see them in person, she always sent them presents. She saved, revisited, and cherished any video or picture she received of them. She is also survived by Greg and Gail Gibson, Tom and Ruth Gibson, Bruce and Fiona Gibson, Geoffrey and Stephanie Gibson

(Miranda and Nicholas), Grant and Aubrey Gibson (Zoey and Benjamin), Mark and Meg Gibson (Tess and Liam), and Steve and Laura Mosonyi (Zachary, Ashley, and Brady).

Isabelle took pride and found immense joy in building and maintaining friendships with others. She continued many childhood friendships and looked forward to connecting with her “Unysis Crew” during Zoom cocktail hours. Isabelle had a knack for chit-chat and was appreciated for “always being close” when it comes to details, which makes any memory she shared just that much more enjoyable.

Isabelle loved nothing more than time spent with her family. She dreamed of Sunday dinners and happily enjoyed post-game meals after cheering her daughters or granddaughters on from the sidelines or audience. Lovingly known as Memom by her grandchildren, she innately knew just the right time for a hug, smile, treat, and a thoughtful gift. When all were able to gather, Isabelle effortlessly took the lead in storytelling and laughter, making everyone feel at home in her presence.

While Isabelle’s passing was unexpected, we can all be thankful for the time we were able to spend with her, cherishing the memories and the gifts that she has left with us–love, connection, and laughter.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 12th at 12:00pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church at 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh NC, 27609. A post-service reception luncheon will be immediately following at All Saints Chapel 110 S. East Street, Raleigh NC, 27601. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer research by visiting their website www.komen.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Gibson family.