Carol Elaine Gibbons' Obituary
Carol Elaine Gibbons (Hubschman) peacefully passed away at the age of 90 on August 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Carol, who was affectionately known by her family and friends as “Bedsta,” will truly be missed.
Carol was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 15, 1934, to Jorgen and Gudrun Hubschman, who preceded her in death. She was the youngest of four children. Two of her siblings, Helen (10) and a baby brother, passed away during their young childhood. Her family lived in both Barrington and Chicago for some time. After the depression, they moved to Barrington permanently. She often spoke of attending a one room school house through her elementary years. She had fond memories of her younger childhood when she went to work with her father and learned all about the construction business. As a teen, she was involved in various clubs such as knitting, square dance, pep, make up, Spanish & camera. In addition, she was involved in the National Thespian Society, Future Homemakers of America, and the Girls Athletic Association. She graduated in 1951 from Barrington High School then attended the University of Florida. She had a great social network of lifelong friends who visited together a few times a year throughout their lives.
Her family traveled to Juno Beach, FL where they would visit during Carol’s teen years, eventually building a home. In 1953, she moved to this home where she met and married the love of her life, William “Bill” Clark Gibbons. They were married on February 22, 1955, at First Methodist Church in West Palm Beach. They celebrated 35 years of marriage before losing the love of her life in September of 1990.
In Carol’s earlier years in Palm Beach County, she worked for the City of West Palm Beach. She loved politics and was an active poll watcher before becoming the clerk of the polls in Juno Beach. She was involved in the growth of the Town of Juno Beach, including being the first woman commissioner in Juno Beach. Carol was known to speak her mind, was a strong advocate for others, her community, and was a pioneer for activism. In fact, during the mid-1960s, when culturally men “ruled” the home and most women were homemakers, Carol believed women could both lead in the community and at home. She challenged all those she met in order to make her community a better place. One of Carol Gibbons’ most famous quotes, that is also a part of Juno Beach’s history as stated in the History of Juno Beach by Daniel Kribbs Corbett, as quoted in the Palm Beach Post, February 4, 1969, “When the men can no longer find the time to work for Juno Beach, then I think it’s time for the women to step in.” She was a force to be reckoned with, she didn’t back down and refused to follow convention.
Carol’s social life included being involved in the Junior Women’s League of North Palm Beach, bowling leagues, bridge groups, and social gatherings. She lived an active lifestyle throughout her life.
Together with her husband, Bill, they built and owned Blue Sea Apartments in Juno Beach. Over the years, they had several seasonal guests who would return year after year to spend the winter there. They became an extended family to us. She and her husband went on to own Video Suite in Tequesta, Florida for 11 years. After her husband passed, Carol was ready to fully retire to enjoy traveling and her grandchildren. She sold Blue Sea Apartments and Video Suite and move to Gainesville, FL in 1997.
Carol’s true passions were her family, Town of Juno Beach, politics, bridge, bowling, and traveling. She was always active and an advocate for what she believed to be right!
During her 35 years of marriage to Bill, they raised three wonderful children, William, Jr., Christine, and Robert. Enjoying her active lifestyle, her family was her priority. She was involved in all her children’s school education and extracurricular activities. She was involved with the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association running the concession stands, attending all three children’s sporting activities, coached the cheerleading squads, and even coached William Jr.’s football team getting them warmed up for practice where she was affectionately given the name “Sarge” from one of the Dolphin’s team players.
Carol advocated in the schools to ensure her children had the best learning opportunities. Eventually, she began working at Palm Beach Garden’s Community High School while Christine and Robert attended. Imagine their delight having their mother working in the school they were attending. She later moved to Howell Walkins Middle School as the Bookkeeper. Funny, she disliked taking care of the finances at home!
Carol became a grandmother in 1987, She loved being “Bedsta” to her five grandchildren. She enjoyed time in the pool with the grandchildren, teaching them to swim, playing Ring Around the Rosie, and dunking them under the water. She took the family on annual trips to Disney, creating many found memories. She enjoyed making the characters in books come to life while reading to them. Bedsta doted on her grandchildren. They fondly recall memories of vacations, Ring Around the Rosie, her “skinny” pancakes and milkshakes, and spending time in her home with her.
Carol with her husband, were youth group leader enjoying time with the youth at St. George’s Episcopal Church. She was very devoted and actively involved in the church activities throughout her life.
When Carol moved to Gainesville where William, Jr. and his family lived in 1997, she planned to be there for a short time. Unsure of where her next adventure would take her, she remained in Gainesville until her passing.
While in Gainesville, Carol embraced her community becoming active in bridge, Mahjongg, investment club, activities at the club house where she lived and served on the Home Owners Association including the President for three terms. She traveled often to include annual girl’s week in Myrtle Beach with friends and family and Barrington / Door County with her high school friends. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
She leaves behind three generations of children who were blessed to know and love her as "Bedsta” and a legacy that shall be passed on for generations to come… her children, William (Sandra, passed 2023) Gibbons, Jr., Christy Gibbons, and Robert Gibbons; grandchildren, Cary (Jeremy) Howard, Gabriella Gibbons, Clark Gibbons, Alexandria (Ernie) George, and Robert, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Carder, Heidi Kay, Levi, and Alessia; and sister, Margie Orbesen (Hubschman).
A Celebration of Life Luncheon in memory of Carol will be held on October 12, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at West End Club House 1105 NW 124th Blvd. Newberry, FL 32669. Please RSVP to Christy Gibbons at 352-332-1521.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of these nonprofits: Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Alachua County or Stop Children’s Cancer Gainesville, FL.
We love you forever, Mom “Bedsta.” Rest in peace.
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