With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother Freda Irene Gilbert, who passed peacefully in her sleep on June 19, 2023.
Freda is survived by her five sons, Larry (Marilyn), Allan (Diane), Ken (Karen), Kip (Patti), Bob (Hope), 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. Also remaining is her brother Kip (Marie) White of Port Alberni.
Freda was born in Goderich, Ontario, on Jan. 5th, 1925 to parents Kearwood and Irene White. Freda was predeceased by the love of her life, Gordon; her brothers, Howard and Hillard; her sisters, Bunny, Leona, and Joanie; and one grandchild, Alicia.
After her father’s untimely death in 1941, Freda set off to obtain a trade to help with the family income. She worked as a machinist for Dominion Road and Tractor, which manufactured armaments for the war effort.
In the Years that followed she met Gordon Gilbert and they wed at wars end. They resided on the Gilbert farm until 1957, at which time they moved with their 5 young sons to Port Alberni.
They then moved to Kamloops in 1964, where Freda worked in the credit office of Woodward’s store. In 1976, Freda and Gordon left for Fort St. John to develop four sections of land into a viable farm. Selling the property in 1986, they retired in Parksville then in 1992 to Barriere where they resided for 14 years.
Upon the passing of Gordon in 2006, Freda moved to the Hamlets at Westsyde in Kamloops and then later to Pine Grove Care Centre.
The family would like to thank the staff of Pine Grove Care Centre for the excellent care mom received during her stay.
No Service by request. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
2 Tributes
Our love and sympathy to all the Gilbert family. Keep your memories close to your heart ❤️
Love and hugs from
Doug and Anna Swanson
To the Gilbert Families: We were so saddened to hear of Freda’s passing. Such a long history of a relationship with the Talbot family. Our time spent at Fort St. John during the summer definitely were special memories for us. I hope you take comfort in knowing that they are all together again and catching up. Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn her loss, but you have been so blessed to have had her for so many years. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, Brenda (Talbot) and Mark McLean