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March 26, 2022
In loving memory ~
"Lil" Gibney drew her final, peaceful breath on March 26, 2022 in Courtenay, B.C. with several of her children by her side.
She was born in Clyde, Alberta, and after years living there on a small family farm she moved to Port Alberni as a teenager. The Alberni Valley was her beloved home for most of her life. Though she moved to the Comox Valley in her final years to be near family, her heart always remained in the Alberni Valley. Nothing interested her more than learning about new developments and people she knew in the Valley. When she had lived there she was a fervent supporter of Alberni businesses, always shopping local rather than seeking less expensive options elsewhere.
She was from an era of limited schooling opportunities, hard work, and 'making do' with what was on hand. After graduating from high school, Lillian worked in Alberni Plywood's cafe and was employed for many years at Woodward's/Safeway stores. While raising five children she found time for ongoing learning through night school courses and challenging herself to become proficient in public speaking in the toastmasters' club.
Her passions included gardening, walking, hiking, swimming, attending concerts and theatre productions (as well as being an active member of Portal Players theatre group), listening to jazz, doing crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. While living at her home in Cameron Heights, she enjoyed inviting neighbors for tea/brunch, to imbibe an apple cider, or to share her bountiful blueberries. Once her children were grown she set out on global travel adventures across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
An avid swimmer, in her '80's Lil earned a medal competing in the BC Seniors Games and would routinely swim a mile at-a-time in Echo Pool. Some of her favorite swimming spots included Paper Mill Dam and Sproat Lake, most notably at "Interlude", her son Bryce's summer home at the lake, where she spent countless hours down on the dock, playing with her grandchildren and teaching them proper swim strokes.
Lillian was fun, spirited, and humorous, able to still get in snappy rejoinders late in life. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her family.
Lillian was predeceased by her son Lorne, former husband Edward, sister Alice Carson, brother Tom, and grandson Trent. She is survived by her children Bryce, Janis (Paul), Laura, and Shannon; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and Spike, her faithful four-legged companion of 13 years.
Lillian requested no service for her passing. On her behalf, we thank the staff of Comox Valley Seniors' Village and Abbeyfield House for the caring support they provided in her latter years. Special thanks to Lil's neighbour Stephen Turner for all that he did.
Please join us in remembering Lillian by visiting our online memorial at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com

 Piercysmt Washington Funeral



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