Obituary

Jenean Karen Gibbons, 86, of Fort Wayne went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 13, 2023 at Park Place Senior Living surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 11, 1937 in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Howard "Tommy" and Ruth Longsworth. After graduating from Northside High School she attended Parkview School of Nursing graduating in 1958. Jenean spent most of her career in emergency medicine at Parkview Memorial Hospital developing a passion for trauma. Among her titles were EMS Coordinator and Trauma Nurse Coordinator. She was asked to develop Parkview into a Trauma Center thus earning her the title, Director of Trauma. She was instrumental in establishing the Samaritan Helicopter in Fort Wayne. This coupled with seeing her dream of a Level II Trauma Center has saved and will continue to save many lives for generations to come. During her career a few of the awards for which she was recognized include: the Distinguished Hoosier Award in 2000 given by Governor Frank O'Bannon, the Appleseed Award given by Rep. Mark Sauder for her two decades of leadership in developing Allen County's Emergency Medical System, and the YWCA Women of Achievement Award. After retirement in 2000, she selflessly cared for her elderly parents. She also became a Master Gardener planting and tending to a prairie garden at Messiah Lutheran Church of which she was a member. Jenean also embraced the animal kingdom, opening her heart and home to many animals. She leaves behind a legacy of a deep love for Jesus, a devoted and selfless love for her family and her commitment to making her community a better place. Though she may not be remembered for the words on this page, she will be remembered by the memories, love, and kindness etched on our hearts. Jenean is survived by her children, Lorie (Fred) Shultz of Fort Wayne and Matt (Denise) Gibbons of Leo; grandchildren, Nick Shultz, Leah (Nick) Bartkowiak, Sara (Gunner) Brown, Tony (Holly) Andrachik and Alyssa (Mark) Chase; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Colleen Biddlecome and Kristine (Tom) Bireley; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James "Jim" Gibbons; and her brother. The family would like to recognize the loving care she received at Park Place Senior Living and Promedica Hospice. Service is 10:30 am, Friday, September 22, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 7211 Stellhorn Rd. with calling one-hour prior. Calling also 5:00 pm - 8:00pm, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. Burial at Old Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran or Humane Fort Wayne. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com

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