GIBBONS – Elsie Betty (née Sheahan)

Aged 93 years.
Passed peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon.
Daughter of Daniel (dec.) and Anne Sheahan (dec.). Sister to Dorothy Peggy (dec.).
Loved wife of Simon Gibbons (dec.). Long-time and loved companion of Jim Samson. Companion and friend of Eric Curtain and his family.
Mother of Peter and Neville (dec.). Mother-in-law of Cheryl and Leeane. Grandmother of Stacey, Kelly, Dale, Erin and Liam. Great grandmother of Brodie. Aunt of Roslyn, Leonie, Ronald, Neal, Shirlene, Andrea, their families and the McEwan families.

Gabriel blew his trumpet
St. Peter shouted, “Come!”
The Gates of Heaven opened
And in walked Mum.
(from George Johnston, My Brother Jack p 117)

Funeral of Betty Gibbons (Elsie Betty)

1.30 pm, Friday 7^th August, 2020

Order of Service

Seating Music – Eine kleine Nachtmusik, by Mozart

Opening Music – ‘Good Morning’ song Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney (from Babes in Arms, 1939).  A song enjoyed by Betty.

A reading, excerpt from ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, an Anglican hymn, read by Erin Gibbons and and Liam Gibbons, grandchildren of Betty.

Music: – ‘Londonderry Aire (Danny Boy)’ by the Violin Brothers in acknowledgement of Betty’s Irish father, Daniel Sheahan, and his family

Reading:  An excerpt from ‘Double Wedding – Four Generations Present’, published in a local newspaper, 23^rd February, 1946. Read by Mrs. Shirlene Browne, niece to Betty, daughter of Betty’s sister, Peggy.

Music: ‘I’ll Walk Beside You’ by John McCormack, the song sung at Betty & Simon and Peggy & Percival’s double wedding.

Eulogy: by Betty’s eldest son, Peter Gibbons.

Music: – ‘Those were the days my friend’ from the album Those were the Days by Percy Faith and his dance orchestra, 1969, from Betty’s album collection.

Reading: from a Returned and Service League honour certificate presented to Betty Gibbons in recognition of her Legacy Australia service.  Read by Kelly Gibbons, grandchild of Betty.

Reflection on Betty’s life as a housewife and working mother, and a retiree.  Read by Cheryl Wragg, daughter-in-law, friend and carer of Betty.

Civil Celebrant – closing words.

Music: ‘Daisy Bell (Bicycle built for Two)’ by Nat King Cole, A life long favourite of Betty’s, used as her hand hygiene sing-a-long and for comfort in her last weeks.

(In lieu of a wake, mourners are invited to collective a commemorative gift ‘Toast to Betty’ in the foyer upon conclusion of the funeral service.)