Uanne Marie Gibson

Dear Rob, Ruth. Wendy, and Family
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Uanne.
She is at peace now.
We have fond memories of growing up in Bloemfontein together as Uanne was a close friend of my sister, Margaret.
Uanne was a good and faithful servant of the Lord she served.
Fond love to you all at this sad time.

A beautiful service remembering and celebrating a beautiful life. Uanne inspires me to be a better person.

My sincere codolences to Robert and daughters, Wendy and Ruth.

May you all be comforted at this sad time.

M.H.D.S.R.I.P

They say it takes a village to raise a child and I was very fortunate to have Aunty Uanne as a part of MY village. And not only was she part of my village but I was an extended part of her family by merit of being friends with her daughter Ruth.

My memories of Aunty Uanne include a beautiful lady with long black hair and the longest nails that I had ever seen!!! She was iconic with her little blue Volkswagen Beetle. I will never forget her organisation skills of ice cream Tupperware containers- EVERY one with a label of the contents.

I enjoyed MANY sleepovers at the Gibson‘s, play dates at the Gibson‘s, meals at the Gibson‘s, outings with the Gibson’s. Like I said, I was welcomed into and treated as part of the family and they were a second family to me.

Ruth looked beautiful in the beautiful bridesmaid’s dress at my wedding which aunty Uanne sewed and Aunty Uanne made the carrot cakes that we had with coffee at the reception.

The devotion shown to Aunty Uanne by the family and especially Uncle Rob in the last few years of her life is a testament of how much she was loved and an example to all.

We rejoice that Aunty Uanne has received her Heavenly reward and her health has been fully restored. We mourn for those left behind.

All our love… Tina and Philip Anderson

A lot of my memories of Uanne stem from observation and feelings as a little girl who spent many hours at their home playing with her dear friend, Wendy. Reflecting on her now, and thinking back as a child, there is so much that sits in those quiet observations and feelings from childhood.
I felt safe with Wendy’s mom, Aunty Uanne. Growing up, she embodied a very well-put-together sense of grace and reserve. Her jet-black hair, such an iconic feature, was neatly tucked up in a bun at the nape of her neck, and her nails were immaculately kept. I remember thinking that she was a very beautiful lady.
She had a wonderful sense of hospitality, too. When we went to visit, there was a feeling that everyone was taken care of and well looked after. She made people feel welcome and comfortable, and there was a quiet thoughtfulness in the way she cared for those around her.
I have lovely memories of going out as children to see her horses, which she loved so very dearly. There was something special about seeing her in that world, surrounded by the animals that meant so much to her.
I remember a beautiful friendship shared between Uanne and my mom, and how she seemed to pull the creativity and potential out of those around her. That support and friendship remained over many, many years.
Uanne was someone I remember with a deep sense of warmth, admiration and fondness — a beautiful lady whose quiet presence left a lasting impression on me.
She will always be very fondly remembered.

With so much love to Uncle Robert, Wendy, Ruth and all family of this precious and wonderful woman.

Dear Rob & Family
My deepest Sympathy for the great loss of such a Special Lady.

Uanne, it was an Honour to have been your Physiotherapist.
I am grateful for the brief moments we shared. Thank you for trusting and allowing me to work with you.
May you rest in comfort and peace🙏🏻🕊

Our deepest sympathies to Rob, Ruth, Richard, Wendy, Stew, Ethan, Anna and Elizabeth

We will always remember Uanne as kind calm and caring and completely unflappable. Her calm nature and love for her daughters and Rob was evident to us.
Uanne was a very talented artist and very kindly painted a Baobab tree from one of our photos. Her talents have rubbed off onto Ruth, Ethan, Anna and Elizabeth.
Uanne was a very kind and caring mother and grandmother and will be sorely missed by all of us.
Francis and Adele

My memories of Uanne go back to our school years at St Michael's. Uanne started after me but we went through to Matric together in 1973. We spent a lot of time socializing after school. She used to love coming to our house & even did a couple of weekend trips away with us in our caravan. She was a talented artist & could draw a horse that made it come to life. Although our paths went in different directions after school we always remained in touch. You suffered the last few years with dignity & determination. Rest softly my friend & fly high with the Angels. Robert, Ruth, Wendy, Evelyn & family you are in my thoughts & prayers as you say your final goodbye on Friday. Thinking of you all. - Bev.

Hi Gibbo,
What beautiful tributes about Uanne…..
I certainly cannot begin to emulate them.
On reflection:
We first met at St John’s Presbyterian Church, studied together in Joburg, got married and have remained friends for ever… despite you living in Klerksdorp, Kimberley and Cape Town and us in Bloem.
Whenever we were together, the conversation inevitably included something about our Christian faith. That has been our common bond. As a couple, Uanne and you exemplified true Christian lifestyle for all to see - living your faith, practicing Christianity.
Now that Uanne has gone to be with our Lord, we give thanks for her life well lived in Christ. What a beautiful soul. We give Him the glory and now ask for His strength to carry you and the family. We know you are without your soul mate for now, but you were blessed with such a happy marriage. Your caring for her was exemplary. What a privilege it has been to know you both as our friends. Gibbo, a part of you is also in heaven now. That is why this is a tribute to you both.
I did write to Wendy in Wellington. Is she going to be at the funeral? Please convey our condolences to Ruth, as well as Uanne’s sister and your wider family.
Shalom my friend
(From both Janice and I)

A Personal Tribute to Uanne Marie Gibson

We celebrate a life beautifully lived, a woman of deep faith, love, kindness and service, whose gentle spirit touched so many lives. We give thanks to God for the memories, the laughter, the adventures and the love she shared, and we celebrate knowing that she has finished her earthly journey and is now dancing in the presence of her beloved Jesus.

When I heard that Uanne had passed away, I found myself thinking back many years — back to Kimberley, Kimberley Baptist, Sunday School and the days when I was still young and part of the YP youth.

Uanne was one of the older people in our church community, together with Rob, and although I was young at the time, she became part of the memories that have stayed with me all these years.

Looking back now, there was something very special about those Kimberley days. Church wasn't just somewhere we went on a Sunday. It was a community — friendships, fellowship, family and faith. And as youngsters, we certainly had our fair share of fun, adventures and probably a little more naughtiness than we should admit!

There were the yearly summer camps, and memories of Treverton, Deo Gloria and Pro Regno campsite. Those camps were such an important part of our younger years. They were about being together, learning about God, singing, talking, laughing, making friends and, of course, getting up to the occasional bit of mischief.

Those experiences helped build something that lasted long after the camps were over. They created friendships and memories, but more importantly, they helped shape our faith.
The travelling suppers were another highlight. Going from one home to another, sharing food, laughing together and enjoying the fellowship of the church family was something really special. Looking back, it wasn't really about the food — although that certainly wasn't a bad part of it! — it was about the people, the fellowship and the sense of belonging.

I also have wonderful memories of the Tsitsikamma walking trail. The walking, the scenery, the adventure and simply spending time together created memories that have remained with me. It is amazing how, after so many years, those seemingly ordinary days become some of the memories we treasure most.

And then there are the little memories that make you smile.

I still remember Dad having to run back to go and fetch a key , Washing and dirty socks and laughs and smiles ! At the time it was simply part of life, but years later those little stories become treasures. They remind us of people's personalities and of the ordinary moments that made those years so special.

But above all, when I think of Uanne, I think of her faith.

From everything I have heard and seen over the years, her love for Jesus was genuine and deeply rooted. Her faith wasn't simply something she spoke about on Sundays — it was reflected in the way she lived, in her hospitality, her service to others, her compassion and the way she cared for people.

So many of the tributes written about Uanne speak of the same qualities: her gentle nature, her kindness, her generosity, her incredible talents and her willingness to serve. She was a woman who quietly made a difference.
She was also a woman of remarkable ability — artistic, creative and practical. Whether it was painting, wood carving, sewing, lace-making, cooking or working with horses, she seemed to have a gift for creating and caring.
And then there was her professional life, where her quiet determination and high standards were so evident. She was someone who cared about doing things properly and serving others well.

But perhaps her greatest legacy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Rob, a loving mother to Ruth and Wendy, and a much-loved grandmother. The devotion between Rob and Uanne, particularly through the difficult years of her illness, is a beautiful testimony to the commitment they made to one another.

The Bible says:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Those words seem especially appropriate for Uanne.

She has finished her earthly race.

She kept the faith.

And now she is home.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

There is sadness because we have lost someone we loved, but there is also tremendous comfort in knowing that Uanne is now with the Lord she loved and served.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

For me, Uanne will always be connected to a very special chapter of my life:
Kimberley Baptist. Sunday School. The YP youth. Treverton. The yearly summer camps. Deo Gloria. Pro Regno. Travelling suppers. Tsitsikamma. Family adventures. Laughter. A little bit of mischief. Dad fetching the key. The washing. The dirty socks.

Those memories may seem like small things, but they are the pieces that make up a lifetime.

One of the lovely memories that also connects Uanne and Rob to our family was when they adopted my mom's dogs. It was such a simple thing, but it said a lot about both of them. They were willing to open their home and their hearts to the dogs and give them a new home.

And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts Uanne has left us — memories that can make us smile even when our hearts are sad.

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Rob, Ruth, Wendy, their families.

May God surround you with His peace and give you strength in the days ahead.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Uanne, thank you for being part of those wonderful memories and for being part of a generation that helped teach us about faith, fellowship, service and the importance of living for something greater than ourselves.

You have finished your race.

You have kept the faith.

And now you are home with Jesus.

Rest peacefully, Uanne.

Until we meet again.

To God be the glory for a life beautifully lived.

I had the opportunity to get to know Uanne better when I moved to Kimberley to work there for a few years. She and Uncle Robert were so kind and hospitable as they helped me settle into a new town.
Uanne had a kind, gentle spirit and a sweet smile that never went away. She loved to tell a funny story or two - I think her life with Uncle Rob afforded many of those! They were inseparable, and had a marriage that I really looked up to as a young person.
"..your beauty comes from inside you. It is the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Beauty like this doesn't fade away. God places great value on it" (1Pet3v4)
Uanne was beautiful in this way. I know God has restored her, and we can look forward to seeing her again.

I first knew Uanne through my friendship with Avlyn, and while we were growing up, Uanne was always the older sister quietly present in the background. We knew her family well and were very fond of her Granny Richter, who helped instil many of the values that Uanne carried into her marriage.
As often happens when families live far apart, we mostly saw one another on special occasions and holidays. It was only in the last 10 years or so that I came to know her more closely—first when Sharon moved to Kimberley for her internship, and later when Robert moved down to Cape Town because of Uanne’s illness.
Uanne and Robert were complete opposites, yet deeply committed to one another. She was a devoted wife to Robert and a loving mother to their two girls. Robert loved to tease her, and on the occasions when we were relaxing and chatting, he would gently tease her, and her response was always, “Oh Robert,” said with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Uanne was quiet, thoughtful, and wonderfully organised. I always admired the beautifully labelled bottles in her kitchen, as well as her neatly arranged containers of sewing and craft items. That gift for organisation, together with her eye for detail, served her well in the bed and breakfast. She taught and mentored Sophie so carefully that, when she was no longer able to manage the household duties connected with the business, Sophie was able to step in and maintain the high standard of excellence that Uanne had always expected. As a result, Robert was able to manage the business from Cape Town while caring for Uanne.
Her legacy is a life lived to the Glory of God, filled by the Holy Spirit and exhibiting all the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness and self-control in all that she did and to all whom she met.
You can rest assured that she is dancing with the angels right now.

Uanne, my much loved cousin. She was a beautiful person with many talents and a generous heart. Uanne loved her family more than anything else. Robert and Uanne shared a love based on their deep Christian beliefs, and this was so obvious as Uanne's health deteriorated. I've not known anyone to look after their spouse as Robert did right till the end - till death us do part.
Thank you Robert for loving my cousin so deeply.
Love to Robert, Ruth, Wendy, Avlyn and all their families.
From Denise and Keith

Dear Robert and family, my sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Fond regards. David

I've known Uanne for about 40 years (Kimberley days). We got to know her and Rob well through church, Rotary and our common love for the outdoors. Uanne was a good friend and a woman of great faith who lived out her Christian life - I never heard her speak ill of anyone. She was very capable and talented in many areas. I remember her artwork especially her wood carvings, the sewing she did on her old Singer machine, her love for horseriding and her culinary talents. She was of quiet and gentle nature but overriding this was a no nonsense person who set high standards in the areas she was involved in. It was not uncommon for Uanne to go in the middle of the night to Mediclinic where she was in charge of Housekeeping to check that the cleaning staff were doing their job. Her family was important to her and she loved her grandchildren. She and Rob enjoyed a special relationship and this was clearly evident in the loving way Rob took care of Uanne as her health declined.
The lovely photo of Uanne on the Memorial leaflet perfectly encapsulates who she was, a beautiful lady, inside and out. That is how I want to remember her.

Mrs. Uanne will always hold a special place in my heart. My mother had the privilege of being her caregiver, and through that time I came to know Mrs. Uanne's warmth firsthand. Even after my mother passed, that connection stayed with me and a couple of years later, when I began working for Mr. Gibson, I felt like I was returning to a family I already knew and cared about.
Mr. Gibson has always been kind, patient, and encouraging with me, and I have no doubt that reflects the life and love he built together with Mrs. Uanne. I'm so grateful to have known her, even in the small ways I did, and I'm sending my deepest sympathy to the whole family during this time.
She will be missed and remembered fondly.

I remember Uanne from our school days at Saint Michaels with great clarity.

She carried herself with a natural dignity that never needed to announce itself, and her creativity was extraordinary.

She showed us how she made lace, her hands steady and precise, and her artwork was beautiful.


Childhood leaves us with odd, lasting impressions. I still see her long eyelashes and remember the simple kindness that seemed to come so easily to her.


We shared speech and drama classes with Violet Swingler. Even now I can hear her voice reading The Little White Horse by Eleanor Farjeon.


The world is a better place because of people like her.


Her suffering has ended.
May she rest in peace.

When I think about Uanne the words serene and gentle come to mind. Being with her always brought me a sense of calmness.
Uanne has always and will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Robert you have been an incredible husband to Uanne, loving and caring for her, always holding onto hope.
Our prayers for healing have been fulfilled now for she is completely healed and with her Beloved Jesus. Rest in peace with joy precious cousin.
Sincere condolences to Robert, Wendy, Ruth and her adored grandchildren.

Rob, Ruth, Wendy and families, love and strength to you all in your great loss. We all know where Uanne is now, but it is heartbreaking when we have to say a final goodbye. Uanne (together with Rob) has always been a shining reflection of what it truly means to be a Christian. Uanne was a beautiful soul with an unwavering faith. A caring and compassionate friend, always ready with an open door, a pot of tea, a listening ear and a wise word. So many fond memories of her love and kindness. She was meticulous in her work and I saw firsthand how the wards at Mediclinic were kept spotless under her watchful eye. I always go to the hymn by George Matheson "O love that will not let me go" when I am in need of comfort. Big hugs to you all from Stephanie in Mossel Bay. 🥀🥀🥀

Some people pass through our lives, and some leave footprints on our hearts that remain forever. Uanne were one of those special people. Although she retired from the workplace several years ago, her presence never truly left. Her legacy lived on in the people she mentored, the staff she empowered and the standards she instilled. She were a woman of conviction — there were no grey areas when it came to her work. She believed in doing things properly, standing for what was right and never compromising her values. But beyond the strong and respected professional that we knew, there was the woman behind it all — a devoted wife, a loving mother and a grandmother who adored her children and grandchildren. Her family was clearly her greatest treasure, and the love she had for them was something truly beautiful to witness.
Her Christian faith was woven into the person she was — strong, caring, principled and compassionate. She touched lives not only through what she did, but through who she was. It is hard to believe that she are no longer. Yet perhaps the greatest comfort is knowing that a life so well lived does not simply end. It continues through family, through the people you inspired, through the lessons you taught and through the countless lives you made better. Uanne, thank you for the example you gave us. Thank you for believing in people. Thank you for leaving such a powerful legacy. Rest peacefully. May God hold your family close and give them strength in the days ahead. You may have left this earth, but you will never leave the hearts of those who knew and loved you. Your legacy will live on.

Dearest Robert, girls and families and Avlyn

My deepest sympathy at the passing of Uanne, after what has been many years of ill health. It doesn't lessen the sense of loss of a wife, mother, granny and sister.
I have known Uanne all my life - as a little girl living three houses up from 117 Wilcocks Road, and going down to play with Avlyn, and swim between 11 and 3 which I wasn't allowed to do at home ! Uanne was a constant presence - and we were perhaps a bit of a nuisance to her. My fondest memory of her is in the kitchen - always baking always trying out something new. And her laugh which echoed through the house. Thank you for the privilege of being part of that time and being able to know her. I am sure you too all have wonderful memories to look back on to ease your sense of loss in the time that lies ahead. You are all in my thoughts.
With much love, Barbara