Published in the March 31, 2017 edition
IPSWICH — Katherine Agnes (Burbine) Gibbons, 101 of Ipswich died early Monday February 13, 2017 at the Seaview Retreat Rowley following her recent admission. Born in Melrose August 25, 1915, the daughter of the late John A. and Laura M. (Doucette) Burbine, she was a graduate from St. Mary’s High School in Melrose, Following graduation she was employed by New England Telephone Company, until her marriage to Allen Graham Gibbons in 1937. They shared 49 years of marriage; she missed her late husband for the rest of her days. Agnes served as president of Ipswich Catholic Woman’s Club from 1984 to 1986. She loved to read and enjoyed playing the piano to all kinds of music. Agnes was a whiz at embroidering tablecloth and napkin sets for family and friends. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Scrabble, cards and knitting. Throughout her marriage she and Graham especially enjoyed going out to dinner and dancing. Agnes had lived for 20 years with her daughter Ruth and husband Bill Epple and with the help for her care by her daughter Charlotte Penney of Lawrence. In addition to her daughter Ruth Epple and her husband Bill of Ipswich and PA and Charlotte A. Penney of Lawrence, she is survived by her son Robert A. Gibbons and his wife Brenda of FL; Laurel Ann Knight of FL; seven grandchildren: Lisa J. Cook, Robert G. Gibbons, Michelle Ferland, W. Graham Epple, Ryan Epple, Jonathan Epple and Justin Penney; 10 great grandchildren; one great great grandson and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sisters Rita DiCarlo and Margaret Davidson and sister-in-laws Ruth Harrington. Agnes will forever be missed and loved . The family wishes to thank the staff of the Seaview Retreat for their compassionate and attentive care of our mother. A memorial funeral Mass will be held at a later date in St. Mary of Annunciation in Melrose with a family memorial to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich. To send a condolence please visit www.whittier-porter.com
