Mary Elizabeth McGibbon-Warner

OBITUARY OF MARY ELIZABETH MCGIBBON – WARNER Mary Elizabeth McGibbon-Warner was born on December 8, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. She was the second of two children from the union of her parents Edward McGibbon and Bernice McGibbon, and just fifteen months younger than her only sibling, David. Raised in Kingston, Mary first lived in Jones Town and later moved with her family to Olympia Gardens. She excelled in her academic studies - during her formative years, she attended Central Branch School and thereafter attended and graduated from Ardenne High School. Curious and adventurous from an early age, Mary migrated to the United States on a student visa and resided in New York City with her beloved Aunt Edna who was like a second mother to her. Later, Mary met Winston Warner and they wed in 1969, lived in Toronto, Canada for several years and later returned to New York where their son Duane Oliver was born. By furthering her education and working hard, Mary provided not only love, but many opportunities for Duane while nurturing him. In 1973, Mary graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing from New York City Community College in Brooklyn, New York (Now known as Kingsborough Community College). In pursuit of higher learning and professional development, Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Queens College while working full-time and raising her son. After graduation, Mary was employed as a registered nurse at LaGuardia Hospital (now known as Long Island Jewish Forest Hills/Northwell Health). She worked tirelessly as she cared for others. Her skills were recognized by management, leading to her promotion to the position of Head Nurse at the hospital. For a period of time, Mary also worked a second job as a visiting nurse. She was employed as a nurse with LaGuardia for over 30 years before she retired. Mary had a zest for life and loved to travel. She visited countries such as Italy, Greece, England and Mexico, just to name a few. She also enjoyed plays, and attended numerous Broadway shows. Additionally, Mary was also a lover of music, so it was not uncommon to hear the melodies of Bob Marley or Stevie Wonder playing in her home while cleaning on a Saturday morning. After Mary’s retirement from nursing, she relocated to Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Mary had a passion for cooking and took pleasure in making delicious meals for family and friends. A few of her specialties were oxtail, ackee and saltfish, and an assortment of flavorful soups (with plenty of dumplings in them)! Mary also took pride in her gardening and could often be found tending to her many beautiful flowers and plants. Other treasured past times included watching her favorite television programs, and, as some of us know all too well, Mary enjoyed chatting on the phone for hours. Mary loved the Lord, and was a devout member of her church Grace Fellowship. She regularly worshipped at Sunday service, and also attended Sunday school. Mary was also a member of a bible study group with her sisters in Christ. Mary’s life was well lived. On August 23, 2024, she was called home to be with the Lord. Mary is survived and will be greatly missed by her dedicated son Duane, her cherished grandson Zackery, her brother David, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. She was predeceased by, and is now reunited with, her parents, her Aunt Edna, and her cousin Teddy.

Mary Elizabeth McGibbon-Warner

December 8, 1944 - August 23, 2024