Margaret Hamilton Gibb

It is with sadness we announce the death of Mum in Halifax, on January 4th 2024, surrounded by her children. While she requested no obituary (“they’ll get it wrong in any case”), we can’t let such a life go by without notice.

Fiercely proud of her Scottish heritage, Mum was born in North Preston, England to Scottish parents Margaret (Peggy) Hamilton and James Nivison Blackwood. When Mum was very young, the little family moved to 3 Lomond Crescent, Loch Lomond, which remained the Blackwood home. Mum attended Levenvale Primary School and graduated from Jordanhill College of Education in Glasgow, Scotland in 1962 as a primary school teacher. She taught for several years at Christie Park Primary School until she left to marry and raise a family. Mum was the youngest of the cousins, looking up to Jessie, Margaret and Nancy. Sometimes referred to as (and even by herself) “the old bag”, Mum was forever a seeker of knowledge and encouraged that trait in her children (“look it up in the encyclopedia”). She was a voracious reader and quick-witted grammar expert.

Mum married Graeme Iain Rait Gibb on November 27, 1965. Mum and Dad were blessed (our words) with four children - Fiona, Iain (Emma), Kirstie (Charlie) Hume, and Andrew. She was the proud Gran to eight of the smartest (“f’ing geniuses”), most talented grandchildren in the world – Maggy, Billy (Honoka), Isabelle, James, Oliver, Henry, Stella and Pippa. Mum was looking forward to meeting her first great-grandchild expected in January.

Mum, Dad, Fiona, and Iain moved to Canada in 1969, first to Parry Sound, ON, where Kirstie and Andrew joined the family. The Gibbs then moved to Vancouver, BC before moving East and settling on Carleton Street, New Glasgow, NS. Mum was an active volunteer with her children’s activities including the Ceilidh Pipe Band, Pictou County Mariner swim team, scouting and other efforts including the G7 Summit in Halifax. Mum returned to school to study French at Dalhousie, achieving a BA (Hons). While pursuing her degree, she spent a year in Aix-en-Provence where the family was happy to join her in Southern France.

Mum returned to the workforce in 1995 as a technical writing instructor at CFB Stadacona until retirement in 2010. Mum enjoyed teaching the sailors and working with colleagues with whom she remained in contact including Evelyn, Wanda and Perry. During retirement, Mum travelled and enjoyed hosting friends, happily being a tour guide of Nova Scotia. Mum travelled throughout her life - extensively through Europe, the US, driving across Canada in the green Volvo wagon and visiting family wherever we were (Vancouver, Oakville, Japan). Family weddings and anniversaries were always a great excuse to travel – and Mum seized those opportunities, too.

Mum often reflected how lucky she was to have such good friends with whom to share laughs and good times.

Cremation has taken place and as per Mum’s wishes, there will be no service. Condolences and remembrances can be sent to 257 Joffre Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 3E2. (no flowers please). We would like to express our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff and the care Mum received during her stay at Parkland at the Gardens and the companionship from Megan (Home Instead). Thank you for making her final home a memorable one.

“But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love forever” – Robert Burns