Obituaries

Kathleen “Kathy” Martin Gibson, 63

March 07, 2019

Kathleen “Kathy” Martin Gibson, 63, of Lititz, passed away at her home on March 7, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden, NJ she was the daughter of the late Joseph Martin and Veronica (Jablonski) Martin and the beloved wife of Dr. Joseph Martin Gibson.

Kathy attended The Hospital of University of Pennsylvania to become a registered nurse. Following her graduation from HUP she joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy Nurse Corps, she attended George Washington University and completed her education and training to become a nurse anesthetist. In the Navy she met and married her husband, Joe. Kathy ended her nine-year naval career in 1986 at the rank of Lieutenant. Kathy then followed her husband’s medical training, which took her through Philadelphia, Allentown, Hershey, North Carolina, and finally settling in Lititz, PA in 1991. Kathy worked as a nurse anesthetist at Lancaster General Hospital up until retirement in 2014.

Kathy was a woman of many talents. A masterful pianist, she was able to play many classical pieces by memory. She also was incredibly athletic and a fitness enthusiast, excelling at basketball and many other sports. Baking and cooking were also in her skill set. Kathy would go all out for every holiday, decorating every nook and cranny and making delicious meals and treats to celebrate. She had a love for life and for her family. Described as being fiercely loyal with an amazing sense of humor, Kathy was the classic mom. She would do anything for her family and loved spending time with them. Whether she was going out to eat with her husband, or having a night in watching a movie with her kids, the memories her family have of her are filled with her incredible laugh and bright smile. A devout Catholic, Kathy’s deep faith and fighting spirit kept her strong throughout her lengthy illness.

Kathy’s family would like to thank all the staff at Lancaster General Hospital and Hospice and Community Care for their exceptional care during this difficult time.

Kathy will be dearly missed by her husband of almost 39 years, Joseph Martin Gibson, her children; Samuel Joseph Gibson and wife Karisa, Ann Marie Secheresiu and husband Paul, and Kate Elisabeth Gibson, and her grandson Joseph Martin Gibson. She is also survived by her siblings; Joseph Martin, Mary Martin and spouse Ada Egar, Paul Martin and wife Liz, and Stephen Martin. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Peter Martin and Guy Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church located at 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, PA, 17543 with Father James O’Blaney as Celebrant. Guests will be received prior to the service starting at 10:00am. Military Honors and a time of gathering will occur following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation at https://glioblastomafoundation.org/.

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Condolences to the Family

March 23, 2019

Dear Gibson Family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Kathy. We have such fond memories of our times together in Olde Field.  We hope you will be comforted by happy memories of her amazing smile and wit. 
Fondly, The Neslunds

March 16, 2019

Joe, Sam, Ann Marie, and Kate,
I want to express my dearest sympathies to you, even though it’s hard to express my feelings. Kathy was an incredibly lovely person who loved her family so much.  She wanted so much for her children to share her love of music, and it was my privilege to teach you during your formative years. After over 50 years of teaching piano, I can honestly say that the Gibson family is still in my heart, and I grieve for Kathy and all of you.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I know that the months and years ahead will be difficult for you without the vibrant, bright eyed, sincere Kathy with you. We wonder why God would take her so soon, but if you rely on God now, He will bless you more than you can imagine.  May you find comfort in knowing Kathy is in heaven.  (I can imagine her playing the piano for Jesus.)
Fondly and most sincerely,
Mary Kreider 

March 16, 2019

Joe very sorry for you loss. I’m sorry I’m unable to be at the funeral

March 15, 2019

To  the Gibson family. I am so sad to hear of Kathy’s passing. She will always be remembered for her quick wit especially when imitating Iris Gross. She was an exceptional woman.  My thoughts and prayers are with you  during this difficult time.  God Bless . Gardino one of the Hupsters.

March 14, 2019

Was very saddened when I read the paper. She was a great person and an excellent nurse anesthetist and will be greatly missed. My condolences

March 14, 2019

Dear Gibson Family, Sending our sincere condolences during this sad time for you. We have lost a great nurse and Lifetime member of our Alumni Association. You are in our prayers and thoughts. 
The Board of Directors
HUP Alumni Association

March 13, 2019

Joe, Sam, Anne and Kate,
I can’t tell you how saddened I am by Kathy’s passing.  I have so many fond memories of your family, and your mom was the core.  When I saw both Kate and Sam at restaurants and I said I should contact your mom, they both said she would appreciate that, but I didn’t call. I so regret that.  It makes me realize that we need to seize the moment. Please know that I am so sorry for your loss, and all of you are always in my heart.  Mary Kreider 
 
 

March 13, 2019

I was very sorry to learn of Kathy’s death.  I have many pleasant memories of our interactions when Sam and Kate were students at LCDS.  I also enjoyed running into her and Joe at Gibraltar in subsequent years.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Linda Campbell 

March 13, 2019

Dearest Kate, Anne Marie, Sam and Joe,
please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. There was no doubting the love she had for her family and the joy you all gave her.  What a loving and couragous women who will be greatly missed.  Our love to you all from the Feakins Family 

March 12, 2019

Joe, Sam, Ann Marie and Kate and family, 
We will certainly miss Kathy and are saddened by her passing. We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers and will always think of Kathy with the fondest of memories. Our 3 boys adored her and her oatmeal cherry chocolate chip cookies but more so the time she always took to remember us. You are our family, our hearts are heavily with yours and remember you are loved by so many. The Curtin family 

March 12, 2019

No words can ever take the place of the hurt in your hearts right now. I will just say, Rest in Paradise Mrs. Gibson. I pray for comfort, healing and peace be upon your family during this very dificult time. Sending love and condolences from Ann and Paul’s Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network family.

March 12, 2019

Dr. Gibson & Family… I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Kathy and she always had a smile every time you would see her. She will be missed. Linda Crump

March 11, 2019

Dear Bro Joe and fam,   I am so grateful we got together last month.  What a blessing.  May God’s peace and comfort be with you all.  Love you guys.  Nancy           

March 11, 2019

Dear Joe, Sam, Ann Marie, Kate and the extended family…  Our little nursing school contingent shares your loss.  So glad we got to see her last fall.  Hoping the memories of her light and humor will comfort you in the days ahead.  

March 11, 2019

Dear Joe, Sam, Ann Marie, and Kate; We are so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing.  When the kids were growing up we shared so many wonderful memories with you family.  Kathy was always a central part of those times with her quick wit, smiling face and loving approach to all she did.  We are so sorry for this great loss to your family.  Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with all of you.  The Connors Family, Mike, Meg, Kristin and Bethany 

March 11, 2019

Dr. Gibson and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with Kathy, especially in the eye room. I will always remember the poem she wrote about the eye doctors. Again sorry for your loss of an amazing woman! Julie McMichael 

March 10, 2019

The Gibson family is in my heart and prayers. Kathy was a beautiful and strong woman. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

March 10, 2019

Joe and family,
  I am so sorry!!  I loved working with Kathy-her sense of humor and laughter were wonderful!!  She was also an amazing CRNA.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.   Vicki Geib

March 10, 2019

To Joe and Family,  my love and prays are with you during this sad time. Kathy was a outstanding woman , always a smile on her face and a perfect hostess to all.
Rest in Peace. Love 
Michele LaMonica-Egar
Ean Egar
Paloma Egar

March 10, 2019

Joe, Sam, Ann and Kate,
We were deeply saddened when we read the news of Kathy’s passing in the paper today.Today the world seems a little darker without her Great Bright Light. One thing we know for certain is that everything always begins and ends in love and then begins again. And it is love that will move you forward. We will hold you in love and light as you grieve, heal and become whole again. 
Love and Blessings, 
Roddy and JoAnn Canosa

March 10, 2019

Joe, 
We have been so blessed to have known Kathy. Throughout our long friendship, her patient love, wit, and selflessness were an inspiration as she showed us all how to balance her worlds as a medical provider and as the heart and soul of such a great family.  In her Naval Service, she was a great role model, and we were proud to serve with her. She had so many wonderful gifts and talents, and we were always so grateful that your lives together were so happy, reflecting the depth of love you shared. 
Kathy and Bruce Simpson

March 10, 2019

My sincere condolences to the Gibson Family. I met Kathy when Katie was attending Wee Care Day School in E. Petersburg.  I was the cook there… Mrs Cook…. She was one of my favorite parents and I just loved Katie so much..   prayers to the family and may God bless you all through this time of sorrow….  sincerely, Beverly J. Rightnour alias Mrs. Cook
 

March 10, 2019

Dear Joe,Sam, Ann and Kate,  Kathy was always very generous and I was often the recipient of that generosity. While she was a student at HUP Kathy still found time to spend with me.   One such time was when I was in the seventh grade.  My big sister,Kathy, treated me to an evening concert at the Philadelphia Academy of Music to see Van Cliburn perform Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff with the guest orchestra from Russia.  It was a gala evening and I never knew how she scored those tickets and our amazing seats.  I was thrilled. Kathy never stopped being my sister even when she married and became a mother.  I will miss our weekly phone calls.  I will always remember her from that night at the concert.  She was a beautiful person and an amazing sister.  Uncle Steve

March 10, 2019

Joe, I want to express Wina and my deepest sympathies. As we are now out of the loop, I had no idea that Kathy was failing. She was always one of my favorite people, fun, confident, and with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by so many. Our condolences to you and your family. Bob and Wina Moore.

March 10, 2019

My Condolences to Kathy’s family. I didn’t have the pleasure to meet this amazing woman. I’m friends with her sister Mary. She was taken away too soon and still she lived her life to the fullest. What a beautiful strong and caring woman. Rest In Peace Kathy! 🙏 Sincerely Joan Shaw

March 10, 2019

To Joe and the Gibson family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy was an amazing woman who Ihad the pleasure of working with at LGH, I will always have happy memories of her. I am so sorry for your loss Joe
Sean & Josslyn

Visitation
Saturday, March 16, 2019
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA
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Services
Saturday, March 16, 2019
11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA
Map and Directions

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