Dorothy May Gibson

The best Mom in the world passed on January 15th, 2020. She was a spunky, fun loving, happy lady with a heart full of love and joy! She was born on May, 15, 1923 in Rutland, Vermont to Mae Bernice and Dewey Vondette. As a skilled stone carver, her father moved the family to Bloomington where there was more carving work to be found in the limestone industry than carving marble in Vermont. Mom went to Fairview Elementary School and then Bloomington High School where she met the love of her life, Harold E. Gibson. They both graduated from high school in 1941 with many life-long friends. One of her greatest joys was attending the many class reunions held through the years. She and Dad were married in 1943 as he was about to ship out with the Marine Corps for battle in the South Pacific during World War II. Mom followed him to San Diego, California where she found work in the airplane factories while Dad was fighting in the war. She was the truly iconic “Rosie the Riveter.” After the war they lived in Indianapolis where Dad drove a semi gasoline tanker until Linda was born. They soon moved back home to Bloomington where Dad was the Sinclair Bulk Plant owner until it closed and then he went to work at the Bloomington Post Office. When Dad retired they enjoyed traveling to most of the 50 states, and one of their happiest travel moments was being at Disney World the week it opened. They also loved their anniversary trip to Hawaii and were greeted there by our Hawaiian Fujitani ohana (family). A few years before that trip, sisters June and Edna Fujitani, joined us on a three week trip to see the National Parks west of the Mississippi. Nothing tickled Mom more than two Japanese girls yelling across a crowded parking lot, “Wait for us Mom!” That produced more than one double take of strangers looking at all of us as a family. When they visited Hawaii for their anniversary, they got to meet the girls’ extended family, which was such a blessing. The love of her life passed away in 2008, and a big piece of Mom went with him. He was her reason for living. I am comforted to know that they are now together for eternity, joined by the several brown poodles that Mom loved. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Rollins (Steve), bonus grandchildren, S. Christopher Rollins (Candy) and Mandy Rennie ( Chris), as well as her delightful great grandchildren, twins, Olivia and Samantha. Dottie was a surrogate Mom to all of Linda’s friends and classmates. The extra bed in Linda’s room almost always had a girlfriend occupying it for the night or weekend. She loved a party and always said, “The more the merrier!” She and Dad never ever missed a school event of any kind and happily hosted family, friends, for events celebrating everything. Mom just loved music and enjoyed the band concerts at school as well as the many musical groups that visited Hearthstone. She could even dance in her wheelchair! My most sincere thanks to all those at Hearthstone who made her last 2 years so happy and healthy as well as the Heart to Heart Hospice workers. I would name each one of you, but would be sure to leave out someone. From the nurses, to aides, activity directors, bus drivers, cooks, hairdressers, custodians, just everyone, I want to thank you for loving her as much as I do. Her time in your care was wonderful. Mom always said when she passed she wanted me to have a big party to celebrate her life. To that end, Linda would like to invite those who were lucky enough to know her, as well as Linda’s friends, classmates, former students and their parents, and all of our neighbors, to the service at Allen Funeral home and the requested (by Mom) party at Linda and Steve’s house following the burial at Clover Hill cemetery in Harrodsburg. Our home address is 1082 West Harding Place Drive. Please come to the party for the celebration even if you don’t come to the funeral. Services will be handled by Allen Funeral Home at 4155 Old St Rd 37 on Sunday, January19, 2020 with visitation from 1:00 PM until the service at 2:00, burial to follow. Then we party in celebration of her life and the example she set for all of us. Please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name. Flowers will be shared with the Hearthstone residents. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Dorothy May Gibson

May 15, 1923 - January 15, 2020