Obituary of Glorianna Howell Gibbon

Glorianna Howell Gibbon, 87, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, died on September 30, 2016, at Cranes Mill nursing unit in West Caldwell, NJ. Born in Salem, NY, and raised in New Brunswick, NJ, she was proud of her heritage as a direct descendant of the early 19th century furniture maker, Duncan Phyfe. However, despite her roots in one of New Jersey’s elite families, she lived out her adult life as a modest suburban housewife. She graduated from Highland Park High School, and earned a BA in Spanish from the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, VA. She had fond, life-long memories of her summer term studying in Madrid, Spain. She was the beloved wife of John Gibbon (1926-2003), who predeceased her just 2 weeks prior to their 50th wedding anniversary; loving mother of 4, cherished grandmother of 5, and great-grandmother of 3. She was also predeceased by her only brother, Frederick Suydam Howell (1924-1944) who was killed in action in WWII, a son, Ian Phyfe Gibbon (1966-1987), and a grandson, Adam Frederick Gibbon (1988-2011). Glorianna is survived by 3 children and their spouses: Fred Gibbon and Heather Virgulti of Downingtown, PA, Drew and Peggy Gibbon of Chester, NJ, and Ginger and Brian Gould of Huntersville, NC; by 4 grandchildren, Zach Gibbon of Mt Arlington, NJ, Heather and Jesse Masterson of Boston, MA, Christopher Gould and John Gould of Huntersville, NC; and by 3 great-grandchildren, Max Gibbon, Ella Masterson and Jackson Masterson. She is also survived by her caregiver and good friend, Susan Maddaluna. She was a faithful member and elder in the Morris Plains Presbyterian Church for 40 years, and then at the First Presbyterian Church (“Hilltop”) in Mendham for 21 years. She was generous in praying, singing, quilting, teaching, studying, leading and giving to the Lord’s glory. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at The First Presbyterian Church of Mendham (“Hilltop Church”), 20 Hilltop Rd, Mendham, NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to visit and celebrate Glorianna’s life at a reception immediately following the service at Hilltop House (14 Hilltop Rd). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Mendham, 14 Hilltop Rd, Mendham, NJ, 07945, or to the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation at donate.cdlsusa.org.