Obituary of Barbara Gibben

Barbara (Barb) Therese Gibben, (nee: Vitt) After a nine month battle with cancer, Barb Gibben passed away peacefully on Saturday September 25, 2010. Barb will be missed and fondly remembered by her adoring husband of 32 years Gord, sons Michael (and husband Mike Reisacher), David and her loving Bichon Frise Coco. Barb will also be missed by her sisters Tracy (and boyfriend Glenn), Christine (husband Ken and sons Conrad and Trevor), Charlene (husband Chuck and children Meaghan, Mathew and Morgan), and her brother Warren. Barb was predeceased by her parents Joseph Vitt in 1989 and Frances Vitt in 2007. Barb Vitt was born in Winnipeg on October 3 1955, the third child of Joseph and Frances. Her early schooling was at St. Joseph's (she often talked of making the barehanded catch for the final out to help her school win a softball championship). After attending high school at St. Johns, she started work at the Taxation Centre. On a fateful night in 1977, when out with friends, Barb was asked to dance by a gangly guy named Gord. She accepted and the whirlwind courtship was on. After only five weeks of dating (almost every day), Barb accepted Gord's marriage proposal. They were married in St Joseph's church on August 26 1978. Barb and Gord's first son Michael arrived in 1983, followed by David in 1986. Once she had kids, Barb left her position at the Taxation Centre to concentrate full time on raising her sons. She was a wonderful wife and mother who always put her boys (all three of them!) first. Those who knew Barb would say she was one of the strongest people they ever met. Once she put her mind to something or encountered a crisis she went full force to ensure those around her were taken care of. When diagnosed with Huntington's disease in 2004, she attacked it head on. She knew her limits but refused to let the progression of the disease slow her down. She took the same approach with the cancer that took her life. Throughout her treatments she always was quick with a laugh and continually asked if others were okay. Barb was very devoted to her family. Her favorite times were vacations at Niagara Falls, the Black Hills, West Edmonton Mall, and Minneapolis. She enjoyed camping and going to the beach at Falcon Lake and Grand Beach. Annual shopping trips to Grand Forks were another highlight (even there she made sure everyone else got more stuff than she did!). Another favorite pastime was daily walks with Gord and Coco at the Kilcona dog park. Special thanks to Dr. Hobson and his staff at the Movement Disorders Clinic at Deer Lodge Hospital for their support in treating Barb's Huntington's. Special thank you also to the Doctors, nurses and support staff at Cancer Care and the Woman's Hospital for your positive approach and making Barb's last days at comfortable as you could under very difficult circumstances. And finally a special appreciation for Dr. Martens for his wonderful care and the profound impact he had in helping Barb through her health issues. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barb's name to the Huntington Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and celebration of Barb's life will be held on Thursday, September 30 at 12:00pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St.