Carol A. Gibbons

Carol Ann Gibbons, age 72, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on February 18, 2025, at Harmony Care Center, Dubuque.  To honor Carol’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Carol’s family.

Carol was born on October 4, 1952, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to James J. and Anita E. (Soppe) Gibbons.  She was gifted with the sweetest disposition and kindest soul anyone could ever hope to meet.  Carol was the epitome of love and light in every sense of the word and because of this reality, she made countless friends throughout her 72 years among us.  In her free-time, Carol always enjoyed listening to music whenever possible.  A little blues one day, a little country the next, it was all good to Carol’s ears and always helped to keep her heart dancing while her toes were tapping.  Carol loved elephants and cats. She never missed Bingo night at Harmony and loved a good word search. She had a wonderful memory for days gone by and loved to reminisce about the “good old days” with her niece, Paige, who held her hand as she exited this world. Carol had one of the best senses of humor around and enjoyed a good practical joke.  But, truth be told, Carol’s greatest joy in this life was any time she was in the presence of her family and friends.  While she never had children of her own, she was an expert baby rocker and she could get the fussiest baby to sleep. She helped raise her niece Paige and her nephew Mitchell, acting as their nanny while their Mom and Dad worked. Carol was very proud of her Irish heritage and loved anything that had to do with Ireland. Carol was a devout Catholic and enjoyed visits from the staff at St. Rafael’s Cathedral/St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque when she was unable to attend services in person. She intrinsically loved deeply and dearly and everyone around her was surely to be reminded of this fact simply through her words and actions.  We will miss Carol more than words could ever hope to accurately depict and are grateful for every precious memory she leaves behind now.  Thank you, Carol, for being the best version of you we could ever hope to have met and may the Lord bless and keep you as you find yourself enjoying the best family reunion you’ve attended yet. 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Carol include,

her sister,

Sandra (Denny)  Deming, Hayden, ID;

her brother-in-law,

Steve Pottebaum, Dubuque, IA;

her ex-sister-in-law,

Carla Gibbons, Dubuque, IA;

her nieces and nephews,

Janse (Jessica) Deming, Portland, Oregon,

Paige (Eric Zalaznik) Ortiz, Epworth, IA,

Mitchell Pottebaum, Dubuque, IA;

Leo Ortiz, Dubuque, IA,

Kelsey Nank, Dyersville, IA,

and Lauren (Isaac) Manternach, Worthington, IA;

along with 6 great-nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Dale Gibbons, James J. Gibbons Jr., and Judy Pottebaum;

Carol’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Harmony Dubuque, who became part of Carol’s family in the many years she resided there, Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care, and Father Quint from St. Rafael’s Cathedral/St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for the comfort he provided in this difficult time.  We would also like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to our dear friend, Christina Paredes, for her commitment of love and support over Carol’s final days.  Your generosity was appreciated more than you know and we are forever grateful to have such a wonderful person in our corner at all times.   May God bless you for your unwavering kindness.

In lieu of flowers, a Carol A. Gibbons memorial fund has been established.  Cards and donations may be sent directly to the Tri-State Cremation Center, C/O Carol Gibbons Family, 131 Sinsinawa Avenue, Suite 201, East Dubuque, IL, 61025.

Online condolences may be shared with Carol’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com