Obituary of Frances Ellen Gibb
We sadly announce the passing of Frances Ellen (Fran) Gibb on March 16, 2026. She passed peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary following a brief stay in hospital. She was 79 years old. Frances was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, to Henry and Constance (Curtis) Burrill.
Fran was a retired registered nurse who graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing. Highlights of her nursing career included the team on 9A, working in psychiatric care at the Abbie J. Lane, and providing compassionate long-term care to the seniors who resided at Ocean View Continuing Care Home in Eastern Passage.
While in training at the VG, Fran met Bob, who became her beloved husband of 58 years. In 1972, they built their own house with the help of Fran’s father and a team of neighbours. They went on to raise their two boys there and were a fixture of the close-knit neighborhood.
In addition to being a skilled nurse, administrator, and fantastic mother to Cliff and Clayton, Fran was also a talented crafter who knit, crocheted, hooked rugs, sewed garments and decor, tumbled stones to make her own jewelry, and constructed amazing figurative cakes for her boys’ birthday parties (KISS cakes being her specialty!). She also taught herself to play alto saxophone. Fran was famous for the uniquely humorous skits she’d perform on Music Night, the annual Christmas party held at the house for decades. Fran’s hosting skills were second to none and she brought life to every gathering she attended.
In addition to her family and copious friends, Fran’s other loves included hot sunny days; Yahtzee / Cribbage / Scrabble / Pictionary / Bingo / Cards; weekly Zoom calls with her west coast grandchildren; 9A luncheons; Women’s Night gatherings; book club; vegetable gardening; line dancing; Tai Chi; British humour; and travel. During her retirement, Fran took her 82-year-old father on a road trip across the USA and back through Canada in his brand new cherry red Honda. They had a marvelous adventure together!
She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Gibb; sons Cliff Fenwick Gibb (Angie) and Clayton Gibb (Alexis); grandchildren Anna and Zoe who reside in California; sister-in law Sandra LeBlanc and husband Phil LeBlanc; nephews Tony LeBlanc (Lori) and Craig LeBlanc (Kate); niece Christine LeBlanc; along with many beloved Burrill family members. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Kathleen Gail Burrill.
She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year at the Maritime Cremation Centre in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice.
