In loving memory of

Mary Jean Gibson

August 17, 1923 - May 13, 2018
From: Sac City, IA
Mary Jean Gibson

Mary Jean Gibson

Born: August 17, 1923
Died: May 13, 2018
Age: 94
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   Mary Jean Gibson, age 94 of Sac City, IA, passed away on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2018, at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, IA, while surrounded by her seven children.  Mary Jean Brennan was born to William and Beulah (Lukins) Brennan on August 17, 1923, in Ruthven, IA.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sac City. Mary Jean attended both elementary and high school in Ruthven. After graduating, she continued her education at  St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Sioux City, IA. 

   On February 20, 1946, Mary Jean was married to Mark M. Dowling.  Mark and Mary Jean had six children: Peggy, Jim, Teresa, Joanne, Marilyn and Julie.  She later married Dr. C.D. Gibson on November 15, 1961. Together they had a daughter, Sally Jo.

   Mary Jean worked as a registered nurse for nearly 40 years.  She especially enjoyed the labor and delivery department. Mary Jean will be fondly remembered by many as a caring and compassionate nurse.

   Mary Jean loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit all seven continents. She enjoyed golfing, dancing, painting, sewing, reading, bowling, cooking, and baking her signature cookies. Her family members could always return for visits knowing there were batches of her ginger cookies ‘hidden’ under her bed. Mary Jean loved entertaining friends and family often.

   Watching birds, particularly cardinals, was another of her favorite pastimes as well as driving through the countryside searching for deer.

   Mary Jean enjoyed outings with the Red Hat Society ladies, was a member of a retired nurse’s group, and St. Mary’s Guild.

   Mary Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. In addition to her seven children, she enjoyed spending time with her eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.

   Mary Jean is survived by her children: Peggy (John) Alder of Westminster, CO, Jim (Mary) Dowling of Sac City, IA, Teresa Kukolja of Denver, CO, Joanne (Rich) Wells of Rapid City, SD, Marilyn Longman of Sac City, IA, Julie (Jeff) Beaudoin of Omaha, NE, and Sally Jo (Tom) Mason of Sac City, IA; grandchildren: Hillarry (Brett) Pittsenbargar, Eric (Amanda) Dowling, Scott (Tammy) Dowling, Ali Jean and Brenna Wells, Colin (Lindsey) Folk, Sara and John Beaudoin, Taylor and Zach Mason; great grandchildren: Aidan and Berkley Pittsenbargar, Cael, Oran and Audrey Dowling, Bridger and Seager Dowling, Jaydan and Jaxon Folk; sisters: Dorothea Rosacker of Emmetsburg, IA, Margie (George) TenEyck of Cerritos, CA; stepchildren: Kay (John) Cronk of TX, Steve (LiuLiu) Gibson of MD, Tom Gibson of TX; many extended family members and friends.

   She is preceded in death by her parents William and Beulah Brennan; husband Mark Dowling; husband C.D. Gibson; twin brothers Bill and Tom Brennan; sister Kate Frederick; and grandson Darin Longman. 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS the family will be donating memorial contributions made in Mary Jean's memory to several local Sac City organizations.

SERVICES

10:30 a.m., Thursday
May 17, 2018
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Father Joe Dillinger
Father Larry McCarty
Deacon Butch Stone
VISITATION
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rosary at 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Oakland Cemetery
Sac City, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, June 4, 2018 at 11:53 AM
“So sorry to hear about your Mom, Dowling kids. I have many fond memories of her when I played over at your house. She was so nice. Kay Suhumskie Claus”
- Kay S Claus
Friday, May 25, 2018 at 10:27 AM
“To all of Mary Jean's family, my deepest sympathy. She will truly be missed.”
- Lynn Ramsey
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 3:06 PM
“Mary and Jim, we want to extend our sincere sympathy to you and yours on the death of Mother. We remember her and Doc Gibson fondly. Hope all is well with you. Ann is fine here at the lake. Blessings, Terry and Mariann Alcorn
”
- Mariann Alcorn
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10:28 AM
“Dear Joanne and Marilyn and all of Mary Jean's children....your mom was always one of my favorite people and a genuine friend of my parents. Golfing, playing cards...Mary Jean always had a smile and a great laugh!! Watching the tribute brought back such fun memories of times spent at your house (the huge dining table and small tv room!) and of course the many hours Joanne and I spent at our Lake View Cabins. Please know I send you lots of hugs and prayers during this sad time. Warmly, Shari Otteman”
- Shari OTTEMAN
Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11:31 AM
“I remember Mary Jean as a kind and caring lady. She and Doc were so good to my mother after my dad's passing. That meant so much to me. I am glad you have been able to create such special family memories with her. You have my deepest sympathy.”
- LaVon Hoaglund Goodrich
Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 11:31 AM
“Julie Beaudoin and family,We are deeply saddened by the passing of your mother. And are rejoicing that she is now at home with the Lord and,her family and Darrin. Ours prayers are with you and your siblings in this time of grief and separation. The Kunkle's.”
- Laura Kunkle
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 2:49 PM
“Julie, Jeff, Colin, Sara and John, Our hearts go out to you and everyone in your family. We were so very sorry to hear of Mary Jean's passing. We will remember her and all of you in our prayers. With our sincere sympathy, Don and Barb Fontenot ”
- Barb Fontenot
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 11:07 PM
“She was a beautiful lady both inside and out. My condolences.”
- Rose Harjes
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:13 PM
“She was a great lady”
- Paulene vandenheuvel
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:13 PM
“My sympathy 2 all of Mary Jeans family she was a great person 2 have 4 a friend ”
- Charlie “tuna” schnirring
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:13 PM
“Sally Jo, Marilyn and all families: Sending our condolences for loss of your dear mother, and grandmother! Such a great lady. She will always be greatly missed!”
- Martin & Sharon (Zimmerman) Pearson
Monday, May 14, 2018 at 2:34 PM
“Dear Cousins,
I am so very sorry to hear about my Aunt Mary Jean. Ken and I are thinking about you all and sending thoughts and prayers. We both agreed, what we will remember the most about her is her active life. We admire her greatly for that. God Bless you all.
”
- Margie and Ken Mohler
Monday, May 14, 2018 at 9:19 AM
“Keeping all of you in thoughts and prayers...so sorry for your loss...she was such a kind woman”
- Cindy and Ron WIlliams
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