River Forest Family Honors First Mother's Day without Matriarch

Like everyone, the Gibbs family of River Forest is adjusting to life during a pandemic. However, they are coping with the loss of their normal routines while also grieving the loss of the family’s matriarch, Shelia, who passed away on March 13, 2020. As Shelia’s husband Tom said, “We’re dealing with a double whammy.”

In January of 2017, Shelia noticed she was slurring her words slightly. Tom didn’t detect a difference. Shelia’s doctor suspected she might have myasenthia gravis, a disease that commonly affects muscles of the eyes, face and throat. When a blood test ruled it out, a neurologist suggested Shelia may have experienced a minor stroke. As Shelia’s speech worsened, the neurologist explored the possibility that she might have ALS, a terminal progressive disease that causes muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing and, generally, complete paralysis.

In May of that year, Shelia and the Gibbs family were devastated to learn she did indeed have the bulbar form of ALS. Having seen a close friend battle the disease a few years earlier, they knew what might lie ahead. They embraced the Les Turner ALS Foundation and worked closely with the multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals at their Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine.

Over three years, Shelia’s body deteriorated. Her neck muscles weakened, forcing her to use a brace to hold up her head; her atrophied throat muscles made eating impossible, so she received nutrition via a feeding tube; and when walking became difficult, Shelia began using a wheelchair.

However, as her health declined, Shelia remained the funny, passionate and kind woman who was always thinking of others and how she could help them.

“Our mom lost the ability to speak, but she never lost her voice,” said Carolyn Gibbs Broughton.

All who knew Shelia would agree she valued empathy, and stressed to her students at St. Luke's Church and to her own four children the importance of helping others, especially when they were hurting and in pain.

Shelia’s ALS diagnosis meant her family would be caring for her – a challenging role reversal for a woman who relished in helping others.

Tom served as her doting caregiver, administering her medication, tending to her daily needs and supporting her through emotional challenges. Together for more than 50 years, their undying love through sickness and health inspired family and friends.

Shelia adored celebrations of all kinds. She was quick to hit the dance floor at weddings and a social butterfly at any holiday or birthday party.

As the family anticipates their first Mother’s Day without Shelia, they'll celebrate her spirit in their own way. Their celebration will include lots of love and laughter, the most fitting way to honor Shelia's memory.