Lorraine Gibson
Lorraine Gibson, 71, passed away on July 28, 2026, after being diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and facing the final year of her life with remarkable strength and resilience.
Lorraine was born on April 14, 1955, in England. She moved to the United States as a child and spent most of her early life in Toledo, Iowa, a place that remained deeply connected to her and her family throughout her life. She later moved to Las Vegas with her immediate family and eventually to Michigan to be close to her grandchildren.
Those who knew Lorraine will remember her most for her smile and contagious laugh, which had a way of filling a room and quickly making everyone around her laugh along with her. She was genuinely kindhearted and rarely, if ever, had an unkind word to say about anyone. She treated others with compassion and warmth and will be remembered for the happiness she brought into the lives of the people who loved her.
Above all else, Lorraine was proud to be a mother and grandmother, lovingly known as Gigi. Her family was the most important part of her life, and she especially loved watching her grandchildren play sports and cheering them on.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Derek Gibson, who passed away five years earlier, and her grandson, Bo, who was deeply loved and cherished before his birth. Derek’s loss was something she carried deeply, and she spoke of him often, especially during the final months of her life. Lorraine passed away on Derek’s birthday, July 28. She had said that she would be seeing him again soon, and in the end, she did not have to miss another one of his birthdays, which brought great comfort to her family.
Lorraine is survived by her son, Kyle Gibson, and his wife, Jennifer; her grandchildren, Kye and Ava Gibson; her parents, Pamela and Dwayne Wood of Pella, Iowa; her brother, David Wood, and his wife, Beth, also of Pella; her nephews, Trevor Wood and his wife, Addy, and their children, Halston and Beckham; Tanner Wood; and Trey Wood and his fiancée, Grace. She is also survived by her former husband, Dave Gibson, with whom she shared most of her adult life and raised their two sons.
Lorraine also shared a close and lasting bond with her in-laws, the DeWitte family. She cherished the relationship they built over the years and always considered them an important part of her family.
Some of Lorraine’s happiest memories were made during trips back to Iowa to spend time with the Wood family and their growing extended family. Whether returning for an annual visit, celebrating weddings, or sharing other important milestones, she treasured every opportunity to reconnect, make new memories, and be with the family she loved.
Education was important to Lorraine, and she was proud to have earned both a bachelor’s degree and, later, a master’s degree.
Lorraine had a lifelong love of reading and read thousands of books over the course of her life. Her appreciation for books eventually became a creative pursuit, and she enjoyed designing book covers for authors whose work she admired.
She also had a deep love for dogs. She shared many years with her beloved Rottweiler, Nikki, and later in life with her beloved German Shepherd, Niko.
In her younger years, Lorraine was an accomplished and enthusiastic swimmer. She swam in college and later worked as a lifeguard and pool manager. During the later portion of her career, she worked as an event specialist for Baskow & Associates and Tradeshow Multimedia, where she met lifelong friends whom she adored.
The final year of Lorraine’s life required extraordinary courage. She endured numerous procedures, hospital stays, medical appointments, and medications, meeting each challenge with a strength that made her family incredibly proud.
Lorraine’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside those of her son, Derek, in Toledo, Iowa. A celebration of her life will be planned and announced at a later date.
Lorraine will be deeply missed, but her family hopes she will always be remembered as she lived: with kindness in her heart, love for her family, and a laugh that could brighten any room.
Lorraine’s obituary was written by her loving family.
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We Loved being your Parents and being able to share time together in Michigan: We miss you Mummy and Daddy ❤️❤️
My deepest sympathies and condolences to entire family. I have several very fond memories of Lorraine from our high school days. She was alot of fun and keeped people on their toes
God speed!
LORRAINE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON THAT I WAS Able To learn from her. She will be deeply missed
So sorry to hear this. I will always remember when I was in school and went to the pool, she would do requests from us kids doing flips and such on the high board during breaks.
She always was so happy, and was always laughing. She was an extraordinary lady who will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear LWood.
Connie Haughey
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. You were a wonderderful friend to me. Helping you out at the castle, and to helping babysit each others kid’s. You will be missed. Rest in Peace 🙏
My deepest condolences 🙏 So many great memories of Elwood.
I am so sorry; I had no idea. We believe that young people will live on practically forever. This is heartbreaking. Hugs to all, especially Pam and Dwayne.
Yvonne Mallory
Deepest sympathies to the entire family. I had the privilege of working with Lorraine at STC. She was so much fun and she cared deeply for students. She was always happy. What a “God Moment” that she went to join Derek on his birthday. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
This is so heartbreaking. I worked with Lorraine for years in her event days and I will always remember her beaming with love and laughter. She made everyone smile. My deepest condolences to her beloved family.
I have many memories of Elwood, from being neighbors in Toledo, Iowa to sharing our wedding attire! Elwood borrowed my dress and I borrowed her veil. My daughter Melissa would play with Derrick and Kyle when they were toddlers. sending my prayers to the family.
I am so sorry to learn of Lorraine’s passing. I remember her lovely sense of humor and her infectious laugh. My condolences.
Anne Hoekstra
Lorraine was a lovely woman. Always smiling, generally holding a book in one hand and always treasuring her family. The world could most definitely use more like her. May her memories fill the hearts of those who loved her. Rest in peace Lorraine
So many Jefferson memories and over the years, our class reunions. You were such a blessing Lorraine and will be missed 😢
Xxx’s and ooo’s
Love you always.
So sorry for your loss. Lorraine definitely had a laugh that you could recognize from quite a distance and always made you laugh with her. Praying for you all as you continue in life without her presence. 🙏🏼
We remember her laughter. She will be missed ♥️
So sad to learn of Elwood’s passing. I was part of her swim and diving team one summer. Also performed a dance number with her at the community theater. She will be missed.
I remember her at the pool. Always had a great laugh. Very much a people person, you knew she enjoyed life! RIP!
Gina (Bacino) Sharer
So sorry for your loss. She will be remembered for infectious laughter and her kindness to others.
Prayers for you all.
Linda Martin Plogmann
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lorraine was full of energy with her smiles & laughs spreading love to all. My thoughts & prayers are with the family during this difficult time 🙏 ❤️
Dwayne and Pam Wood and to Lorraine Family deepest sympathy for your loss. So sorry for your loss
I remember Lorraine being my tutor and helping me when I was going to classes at the Partnership Center due to my pregnancy. She always had some many words of encouragement and support for me during that time. She never judged me. She supported me in the way only Lorraine would or could support someone. That being with her beautiful smile and loving heart. She will be missed dearly and hold a special place in the hearts of those whose lives she touch.
My sincere condolences. I worked with Lorraine at Baskow. I sat across from her and have never laughed so much I my life. I’ll never forget going to The Eagles concert with her. It was a bucket list moment for me and she made it happen. She always talked about her family, you all meant the world to her. I hope your hearts heal in time.
My sincere condolences to your family. She had a great energy and loved that contagious laugh! 🙏
Sending my condolences to the family. She will be missed by many.
I am so very sorry for your loss. May each of you, Pam and Dwayne and all the family find peace and comfort.
Lorraine loved and adored her family above all else. She was kind, giving, and forgiving. She raised me up in my darkest time and I am forever grateful. She will be missed.
So beautifully written and such a tribute to the infectious spirit Lorraine always had.
Lorraine I’ll always remember you when I worked with you at the High School Concessions. I still have my shirt that you ordered for all of us workers. You had a beautiful smile and were friendly to everyone. You will be missed. RIP LORRAINE.
I was lucky to meet Lorraine when I first got to Vegas at Baskow and then when she joined us on projects at ECG. The team at Event Consultants absolutely adored Lorraine and the joy she brought to every project and every day. She was a delight to be around and brightened every room with her presence. She was smart, kind and generous. Her work with us felt like play. Thank you Lorraine. We were blessed to know you. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. My condolences to Pam Dwayne, Kyle, David and their families. Lorraine was such a energetic person who always seemed to have a smile, a laugh and positive outlook on life..
What a beautiful obituary for a very nice lady and a good life lived. Terri & I didn’t get to see your mom too many times but each time we did, she was always very nice. Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family during this difficult time.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Lorraine since 2008. She was my long time assistant at Baskow & Associates and then joined us at Event Consultants in 2015. She always made me smile and laugh so hard. She was such a great worker, but most importantly, a good friend. It is great knowing she is now a Guardian Angel for so many people! We were all blessed in knowing her.
I’m so sorry to learn of Lorraine’s passing. She was always full of joy. I pray that all her family memories help each of you mend. God be with you as Lorraine moves onto Heaven.
Patty
My sincere sympathy. Lorraine was a great person. Thank you for sharing the obituary. I know your family will miss her. Prayers and blessings. Go out to all of you.
Condolences to Lorraine’s family. This was sad news to hear. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
What’s beautiful and vibrant soul Lorraine was and I had the honor of knowing the many years I had with Baskow & Associates. The thought that she was taken home on Derek’s birthday from a broken heart 💔 resonates, and of course somehow they were celebrating together again in Heaven. For now, she will be missed here on earth. R.I.P. dear friend Lorraine. Thanks for always keeping in touch and having a heart of gold 💝🙏🏼🕊️