Mildred McGibbon

Mildred Ellen McGibbon, 86, of Sun City, Ariz., died on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at Hospice of Arizona in Peoria, Ariz. Born on June 23, 1924, on the First Concession in Elgin County, Que., near Huntingdon, Que., she was the daughter of Sidney and Alice (Anderson) Seward. Millie grew up on the family farm with her horses, dogs and other animals, preferring to be outside with her father. She attended the one-room schoolhouse on the First Concession, Holbrook School. She graduated from Huntingdon Academy, Huntingdon, Que., in 1942, and from McGill School for teachers in Montreal, Que., in 1943. After graduation she taught at Shear School, near the wooden, covered Powerscourt Bridge, in a one-room schoolhouse in Elgin. She also taught at the Galt Institute in Valleyfield, Que., from 1944 to 1947. During that time she met and married Charles Herman McGibbon on Oct. 8, 1947, following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, having served in World War II. After emigrating to the US, she and Herman operated the McGibbon family dairy farm on the Sulphur Springs Road, near Trout River, town of Constable, from 1947 to 1966. They had beautiful horses and Millie was a striking equestrian when she rode her favorite steed with her red flowing hair. Her sweet mannerism, beautiful smile and soft personality were what you saw first when she greeted friend or stranger. She thoroughly enjoyed equestrian competitions and shows and was the recipient of numerous awards over the years. Her only child, a son, Dale, was born on Feb. 18, 1949. From 1966 to 1968 Herm and Millie lived in Binghamton, where Herm worked on construction. They then worked on the estates of many wealthy families caring for and training their horses. Following Herman’s death in 1982, Millie continued to work with and train horses. She especially enjoyed her time on the David Rockefeller estate in Tarrytown. In 1991 Millie retired to Arizona, settling in Sun City in 1993 where she entertained many friends and relatives. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, joining in 1952, and held many offices, until her recent illness. She was a member of the Maple Leaf Grange in Kensington, Que., All Saints of the Desert Episcopalian Church in Sun City, Ariz., and many equine and carriage-driving organizations. She is survived by her son, Charles “Dale” of Chino Valley, Ariz., and formerly of Ferndale, Wash., a sister-in-law, Bonnie McGibbon of Orlando, Fla., and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her mother in 1942, her father in 1944, two older sisters, Bessie in 1997, and Robina in 2004, and her favorite uncle, William Seward, in 1957. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 7, 2011 at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, 9502 W. Hutton Dr., Sun City, AZ. Burial will take place in Tarrytown, NY at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Lung Association or Charity of Donor Choice.