GIBSON, Lorna Mary
March 22, 2014
Lorna passed away peacefully on March 22, 2014, in Yucalta Lodge. She was predeceased by her husband, John. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Julia Van der Zee (Kelly); sons, Simon Gibson (Joy) and Victor (Nati); grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, Shari-Anne (Jeremy) and Alisa, and two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Lars.
Lorna was born in Malaysia in 1923 and moved with her family to England when she was a young girl. Following high school, she attended the Slade Art School in London. In 1942, when Lorna was just 19, she was selected as one of the first eight WRENS (Women's Royal Navy Services) to be chosen to work at Bletchley Park on the early computer "Colossos," the headquarters for decryption of the German code in World War 2. This high level intelligence produced at Bletchley provided crucial assistance to the Allied war effort. Lorna was recently recognized for this demanding work with a presentation of a medal by the British government.
Lorna was a talented artist. She sketched, painted and carved in England and Canada. She taught Life Drawing at North Island College and also gave art classes at her studio in her Campbell River residence. Lorna was a passionate gardener and Rhododendron grower.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Sutherland, the staff at Campbell River Hospital and Yucalta Lodge and all the home care staff, for their understanding and care. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on May 10, 2014 from 1:00 - 4:00pm at Lorna's residence, 687 Erickson Road, Campbell River, BC. For more information, please call Julia at 250-830-4817.