Geraldine (Gerry) Vibert, age 62, passed away after a long battle with heart disease at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Monday October 8th. She was a strong, independent, and caring woman who will be profoundly missed.
Gerry was born on November 11th 1955 in Thunder Bay to Ellen (Ypma) and Don Ten Have. She grew up in the Slate River Valley. In 1972 Gerry met the love of her life Glenn Vibert and after 7 years together, they married at St Marks Anglican Church in Rosslyn. Glenn and Gerry lived together in Rosslyn Village where they raised their only child Jeffrey (Jeff) Vibert who was born in the winter of 1985.
Independent, courageous, determined in every facet of her life. These traits were particularly recognized when Glenn lost his long battle with cancer. Gerry was generous and quietly did all she could for those in need. Being by Glenn’s side every step of the way ensuring he wasn’t alone. Gerry’s quiet and unassuming nature was seen and respected by all who knew her well.
After graduating from Selkirk High school in 1974, Gerry pursued a career at Sunlife financial, which later brought her to the Ontario government. Here Gerry spent the majority of her life working in the student loans department. She worked long hours in the fall and winter resulting in long summers off spent at Arrow Lake. She retired in 2007 to be by Glenn’s side.
Arrow Lake was where the family religiously spent their summers. They enjoyed the long summer days fishing off the point, where Gerry would notoriously pick off fish left right and center. They worked hard to create their little piece of heaven and even had to rebuild their camp after a fire destroyed the original.
Gardening was Gerry’s passion. She loved planting flowers from seeds and watching them grow. You always knew it was spring when you weren’t able to see out her windows because of the numerous plant stands of flower seedlings.
Talented needle worker and crafter, Gerry seemed to be able to master anything she tried from cross stitch, to quilting, felt work and knitting, her generous gifts to her family will be treasured for years to come.
Gerry welcomed her first grandchild, Tenley, in May of 2017. Seeing her with Tenley was a beautiful and magical site. It transformed Gerry, she had new purpose, became more energetic and seemed younger and happier.
Gerry will be dearly missed by her son Jeff Vibert, daughter in-law Melanie and their daughter Tenley, by her parents, Don and Ellen Ten Have, her brother Randy and wife Marilyn Ten Have, brother Louis Ten Have and sister Arlene and husband Marc Russell. She will forever be remembered by her sister in-law Linda (Vibert) and husband Alan Spooner, brother in-law Bill Melnyk ll, and by her many nieces and nephews. Gerry is predeceased by her loving husband, Glenn Vibert, her in-laws, Ollie (Wakewhich) and Russell Vibert and her sister in-law Jackie Vibert.
A celebration of life of Gerry Vibert will be held on Monday October 15th at St. Marks Anglican Church in Rosslyn Village at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cardiac Fund.
