Marie Victoria Gibbs
Marie Victoria Gibbs aged 102 years of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, passed away on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026.
Marie was born July 3rd, 1923 in Pennant, SK and was the daughter of Walter William Wallace and Mary Victoria Wallace. She was raised in Swift Current, SK. Upon graduating from St. Joan of Arc Academy in 1941, she commenced working as a Financial Clerk in the Swift Current Post Office. Marie married P.O. Harry F. Gibbs (RCNVR) in 1945, and they moved to Moose Jaw in 1947. They built their home at 557 Duffield Street in 1953, where they raised their three sons – Brett, Garth, and Craig. Marie lived in her home until just before her passing.
She was predeceased by her son, Brett in 1982; husband, Harry in 1983; her parents; brother, Dr. Kenneth Wallace; sister, Elizabeth Nichol; and grandson, Christopher. Marie is survived by her sons, Garth (Gayle) and Craig; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Marie was a gifted speaker and was invited to speak at several “Burns Night” banquets, as well as giving talks on the subject of “The Wearing of the Tartan” and “The Kilt.” Her greatest achievement was learning to play the Bag Pipes at the age of 65 and was a member of The Heather Highland Pipe Band until it disbanded.
Marie held the office of Returning Officer for the Moose Jaw South Constituency in the 1980’s. One of her proudest moments was seeing her nominee, Lorne Calvert, elected to his first seat as M.L.A. for Moose Jaw South Constituency in 1985. She worked tirelessly for the New Democratic Party and served as campaign manager for both federal and provincial candidates.
Marie also held artistic talents which was highlighted through her many beautiful petit point pictures that she worked on the family and friends, but her Scottish shortbread took first prize!
Marie started dancing at age 5 and by age 9 started to tap dance. She won a jitter-bug contest at age 17 and at age 62, won a dance competition in Waikiki, Hawaii. She was also an accomplished Highland Fling and Sword Dancer.
Marie held many positions in her public life which included being the longest serving “Life” member with 69 years in the Order of the Royal Purple Lodge #9 until it surrendered its charter in 2014, charter member of the Church of Our Lady CWL for 68 years and served as its president for several terms, past president of The Moose Jaw Scottish Society, and was elected the first president of the Church of Our Lady Parish Council upon its organization in 1973 to 1976, past president of Star of the West Lodge #179, and Aux. to the BLF&E, past president of the Moose Jaw New Democratic Ladies Society. For 26 consecutive years, Marie donned her kilt and walked The Golden Mile in Moose Jaw’s annual Hometown Fair Parade. For 46 years, she presented her Grade III piping trophy at the annual Highland Band Competitions. She was a member of the Moose Jaw Jubilee Scottish Country Dancers that was formed and trained by the renowned late Scottish dancer, David Lewis of Regina, SK. Their highlight was being a part of the Prairie Lily Folk Ballet in 1980, performing in several cities throughout Saskatchewan to celebrate our province’s 75th anniversary, as well as a special performance to honour Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau on his visit to Regina.
Marie was also very honoured to have a couple of honours bestowed upon her by “her boy” Lorne Calvert after he became Premier of Saskatchewan.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Craig, Curtis and Catherine,
My deepest sympathies to you at this time. Marie was quite a remarkable woman, had great stories, always shared a Scottish blessing, and was very serious about her card games. Cherish your memories with her.
It is with sadness that I respond to the news of Marie’s passing after such a long and fulfilling life but a celebration of all she contributed and accomplished! She will be deeply missed by her family, her Scottish cultural community and the many residents of Moose Jaw who were impacted by her life contributions.
Garth and family so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, she was such a special lady
Dear Garth, Craig and families,
As you already know, your mother was truly a remarkable woman and you were lucky to have her for so many years. May her memory be a blessing to you.
I grew up across the street from you and was in grade school with your brother Brett.
Sincere condolences to Marie’s very large extended family and friends. I am best friends with her favourite godson, Dr. David Mah. I have known Marie for over 40 years and although none of her family would know me, I knew her well enough to know that the word ‘feisty’ definitely needs to be included in testaments to her many amazing qualities. Boy, was she feisty! On a more personal level, I have a great passion for travelling and I have always sent her a postcard from every city or country I traveled to and I’m told she cherished them and kept them in an album, but the point of my story is that every time she received a postcard (and there would probably be a couple hundred) she would send me a perfumed letter, with PERFECT penmanship, acknowledging receipt of the postcard and telling me what every detail in the postcard meant to her, as well as catching me up on her life. She was a real gem and she made a difference in my life. I’m so grateful to have known her! Here’s to a life well lived!!
My deepest condolences to Garth and Craig and families !!!
My condolences to the family. Marie was a remarkable woman and had a impact on so many lives, including mine. Her kindness will always be remembered.
Brett and I went to summer school together. We became great friends and visited his Mom many times. She was so interesting and always had a story for us. My deepest sympathy to all family members.
Garth,Toby and family. Stan and II are so sad to hear of your Mom passing.What a joy it was to have a conversation with her whenever she came into the store or anywhere we met.So grateful to have know her Wishing you all peace at this difficult time and the days to come.
Garth, Gayle and Families
So very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories, till you meet again!
We share your sorrow of our loved ones, with love and friendship.
Joyce and Garnet Anderson
My husband and I did not know Marie well, we sat right behind her in church, and visited her a few times at her home where she always welcomed us with a smile and a drink and we would enjoy every moment of HER!
What a wonderful woman. Enjoy the many memories.
Garth, Gayle, and family,
Marie was a wonderful lady. May you cherish all the happy memories.
Sincere condolences to the family of Marie Gibbs. Outside of my Aunt and Uncle, Marie was the first non-family member that I met in Moose Jaw when I came from Poland in 1959. Brett became a good friend and was one of the groomsmen at my wedding . When my and my wife’s parents passed away, Marie Gibbs became our ‘adopted mother’ and for some 30 years we were always in touch. Rest in Peace dear Mother.
My most sincere condolences to Garth and the entire Gibbs family. Your mom was certainly a south hill icon! I think everyone knew her and were amazed at her ability to keep active and involved in community service. ️
Craig and Garth and the Gibb family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful lady.
Pat and Cindy Curtis
Craig, and Garth, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your families on your mom’s passing. I only just heard and wanted to reach out with my deepest sympathies, and to say how sorry I am that I missed her celebration of life. She was a very special lady and a dear friend of our parents Helen and Jim (Foxy) Williams. Our families will cherish the fond memories. God bless you all. Cheryl Williams family