Philomena Gibson, age 80, of Tewksbury, passed away at home very peacefully.
Wife of the late George Alexander Gibson (World War II and Korean War veteran), who she spent several decades with traveling the seas and crisscrossing the United States.
Born in East Boston on May 12, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Marie (Ferenti) Montagna.
Philomena remained living in the Boston area in Roxbury until getting married and moved to Tewksbury in April of 1968.
Philomena was a great sister to Florence Johnston of Gold Canyon, AZ; Joseph Montagna, deceased; Frank Montagna of Warren Ohio. Mother to John A., deceased U.S. Army; Thelma J. Beavin of Olympia, Washington; Paul W. of Woburn; George D. of Lancaster, PA.
Philomena had 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Extended relatives and friends whose names are Bennett, Yoda, Ciampa, Chalmes, Brunaccini, Colonino, Roberts, Labella and Fiore.
Philomena retired from Raytheon in 1980 as Senior Tech Lab Supervisor after working for 36 years.
She spent the next three decades donating her time to volunteer work for various Tewksbury organizations and for the State of Massachusetts. Some organizations were Tewksbury Senior Center; Red Hat Society; Tewksbury Council on Aging; volunteered at the Public Health Museum, located in Tewksbury; supported the third grade class youth at the Dewing School; worked with the Massachusetts Emergency Planning Team; participated in Chapter # 429 TOPS organization of Wilmington; and was an active member of the Tewksbury Congregational Church.
Over the many decades of volunteer work, Philomena provided counseling to young adults and mature ones, who needed a shoulder with wisdom.
George and Philomena’s favorite times were at the Tewksbury Senior Center, Peddocks Island out in the bay and traveling on cruise ships.
Both of them loved to dance.
Philomena’s favorite pass time was hand crafts and working particularly on Bonca, a style of needle work.
Calling hours Thursday, January 26th, 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Her funeral will be held Saturday, January 28th at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions payable to the Friends of the Elderly, c/o Tewksbury Senior Drop-In-Center, 460 East St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.