Carlene Gibbons

passed away peacefully at her Bainbridge Island home surrounded by her loving family on January 31st, 2013.Born in Philadelphia, she was the eldest child of Richard Bennett Sr and Mary Bennett (Thirion). Carlene attended Abington High School where she met her husband of 46 years, Francis Gibbons, and was a graduate of Drexel University's School of Nursing. They married in 1966 after he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.Carlene was an avid gardener and accomplished painter, and found great joy in her circle of family and friends. She touched the hearts of many and dedicated a life of service to others with her work in clinical medical research, hospice compassionate care, and spiritual outreach support. We will miss her dearly. She faced her illness with dignity and courage, and may her everlasting spirit inspire us all.She is survived by her husband Francis Gibbons, son Scott Gibbons, daughter Heather Penrose (Gibbons), and son-in-law Edward Penrose. She is also survived by her mother Mary Bennett, brother Bruce Bennett, sister-in-law Diana Bennett (Cuervo-Rubio), nephew Carlos Bennett, and niece Carmen Bennett. Her father Richard Bennett Sr and brother Richard Bennett Jr preceded her in death.A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA on Saturday, February 23rd at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA; Harmony Hill Retreat Cancer Center, Union, WA; Hospice of Kitsap County, Silverdale, WA; Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to friends and caregivers whose loving presence brought great comfort and joy.Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.