June L. Gibson

• 

Gibson, June L. age 95, of Anoka, passed away suddenly on Friday, June 21, 2024. Just a week earlier, she had celebrated her 95th birthday at Crooners Supper Club, surrounded by family, listening to the music she loved, and declared that she had enjoyed a "truly wonderful life." Born June 15, 1929, to James and Olive McKissock in Camden, New Jersey, June's earliest childhood memory was visiting the hospital to meet her new baby brother, Donald. She was smart, studious, and athletic. She played field hockey in high school, and loved books and music, especially choir. The McKissock family lived in Camden throughout June's childhood and teenage years before she ventured off to Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in Glassboro, NJ, where she received her degree in education. As a college student, June had a summer job at the Mayfair Restaurant on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. It was there that she met the love of her life and husband-to-be, James (Jim) Gibson, who also had a summer job on the beachfront renting recreational equipment. They dated for a short time, then married at St. Mary's Church in Haddon Heights, NJ, on June 23, 1951. Jim was a Navy man, traveling the world during his enlistment, so June was on her own quite a bit during his service. When he returned, the pair settled in State College, PA, where Jim would finish his degree and June worked in the college library. Their family took shape quickly, with daughters Leslie, Barbara, and Susan arriving in rapid succession. Daughter Laura and son Dana came along later to complete the Gibson clan. Jim's work in sales required the growing family to move many times - from Pennsylvania, to New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois, and finally to Minnesota in 1974, where they made their home in Anoka. Each time, June made sure the family was settled into a new school, new activities, and most importantly, a new church. She was also a working mother and spent several years at Anoka Senior High School in the Language Arts Resource Center before her retirement. June's faith was deep and true. She gave thanks daily for her own life and blessings and spent time each morning praying for the needs of others. She was devoted to her church, Trinity Episcopal in Anoka, participating in services and singing in the choir for many years. Her love of music extended beyond the church as well, and she was active in Sweet Adelines for more than 30 years, most recently with the Lake Country Chorus of White Bear Lake. She had a beautiful voice, relished performing, and devoted herself to learning her parts and choreography to perfection. She was especially proud of her Scottish heritage, and loved Celtic compositions, including those for pipes and drums. June was fiercely loyal to her family, especially her husband Jim, who she cared for at home for many years when his health declined - visiting daily when Jim moved to a senior care facility before his death in 2015. June is preceded in death by husband Jim, her brother Donald, and grandson Alex Hill. She is survived by her children Leslie Gibson (Steve Deger), Barbara Burnham (Rick), Susan Gibson (Mary Hinds), Laura Hill (Rick), and Dana Gibson (Sue); grandchildren Sarah Bute, Aaron Burnham, Andrea Burnham, Eric Gibson (Melissa), Hannah Hill, Sam Hill, and Evan Gibson; and great grandchildren Dante Hill, Owen Bute, Emma Bute, Kian Gibson, Oliver Gibson, and Stella Gibson. Please join us to remember and celebrate June's extraordinary life at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 2, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1415 6th Avenue South, Anoka, Minnesota. Visitation is one hour prior to the service and lunch will be served afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials to benefit Meals on Wheels or Trinity Episcopal Church would be appreciated. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

Published on June 30, 2024