Jackie Gibbens

Jacqueline Gibbens was a strong woman who, amid hardships, lived her life with vigor and grace. She experienced close bonds with family and friends, which she extended to her children and grandchildren.

Jackie was born at a time when families were attempting to recover from the Great Depression. Despite the scarcity of money, people did what they could to make life happy. Movies and big bands were popular entertainment outside the home while parlor games and the radio gathered families together in homes to listen to baseball and President Roosevelt's fireside chats. In the midst of these challenging times, one family in Grand Rapids, Michigan was preparing for the birth of their second child. Lloyd Andrew and Wilhelmina Marie (Jones) Gould were overjoyed to receive their dear Jacqueline into their hearts and home. She was the little sister of Gloria, but in time, Jackie would become the big sister of four brothers-Ronald, Larry, Theodore and Allen. Their father worked hard as a cement finisher while their mother had a full time job in the home. They were a close family who thrived in the West Side community of Grand Rapids. The family bond was enduring, and Jackie remained devoted to her siblings throughout her life.

During her years of schooling, Jackie attended Stocking Elementary, St. Anthony's Elementary, and Union High School through the 10th grade. In addition to her education, Jackie's childhood was filled with activities and friendships that gave her a well-rounded upbringing. She played ball, roller skated in the neighborhood, and swam at the local swimming pools at Richmond and Lincoln Parks. She attended dances with her friends, particularly her lifelong friend, Rosemary Ronda. Jackie's brothers and sister were also like friends to her. They truly liked being with each other, and in adulthood, they would spend holidays together as one big family.

When Jackie was 19 years old, she met and married Joseph Madges and began a family of her own. Their son John was a great joy to them, but irreconcilable differences between Jackie and Joseph led them to end their marriage after a few years.

Later, Jackie met Harvey Bundy whom she married in 1954. They had many wonderful years together and thrilled at the births of each of their children: Nancy, Robert and Mary Beth. When the children were young, Jackie stayed home with them. But before she had children and again when they were older, Jackie worked various jobs in retail and industry. Over the years, she was employed by Meijer and Grand Rapids Cast Apron. Yet one of Jackie's most cherished activities was recreation with her family. She loved going to the cottage she shared with Harvey on Diamond Lake in White Cloud. However, in August of 1976, the family was deeply saddened when Harvey died suddenly of a heart attack while at work. Gratefully, Jackie could rely on the closeness of her family at such a time.

In time, Jackie opened her heart to a fine man named John Gibbens. When they married in 1978, Jackie once again enjoyed the activities she loved. Jackie and John bought a cottage on Campbell Lake in Hesperia and filled their lives with music, good food, and family. Jackie took joy in listening to country and pop music throughout her day. She baked lots of cakes and bread and cooked great meals. Jackie prepared a variety of foods, but she was personally fond of Mexican cuisine. Undoubtedly, the family table was filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who loved being at Grandma's house. Jackie spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren, caring for them and instilling good values. They knew her as a strict disciplinarian, but most of all, they experienced Jackie as a loving grandmother who was lots of fun.

In February of 1999, Jackie once again needed the support of her family when John died of medical complications. Throughout her life, Jackie experienced much sorrow as well as many joys. She remained a source of strength and encouragement. Jackie developed emphysema 2 years ago which later led to lung cancer. Her health began to deteriorate last December and she moved to Stonebridge Manor in mid February, under Hospice care. Jackie passed away at Stonebridge Manor on Monday morning, February 27, with her family at her side. Jackie loved her family and leaves with them the legacy of a life well lived.

GIBBENS (Bundy, Gould) Mrs. Jacqueline F. Gibbens, aged 74 of Grand Rapids, passed away at Stonebridge Manor on Monday morning, February 27, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harvey Bundy and John Gibbens. She is survived by her children, John and Mirjam Madges, Nancy and Robert Kanady, Robert and Maureen Bundy, Mary Beth Scheidel; her step daughter, Jean and John LaBarge; seven grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three step-greatgrandchildren; her brothers and sister, Gloria (Pat) Worst, Ronald Gould, Larry (Adele) Gould, Theodore (Nancy) Gould, Allen (Ruth) Gould; her special friend, Rosemary Ronda; many nieces, nephews and friends. A service to celebrate Jackie's life will be held at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Thursday at 10:30 AM. Burial will be in Washington Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet Jackie's family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-9 PM and on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the service begins. Please visit Jackie's web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, leave your own memories of her and sign her guestbook. Contributions in her memory may be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice.