Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Local Bus Driver and Car Enthusiast

Winter Garden, FL, USA - On July 6, 2025, the community mourned the loss of Deborah A. Gibson, age 64. She passed away peacefully at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Deborah, affectionately known as Debbie, was a beloved wife to Peter A. Gibson and a cherished mother and grandmother. Her legacy will continue through her children—David, Crystal, Joseph, Jennifer, and Sarah Martin—and her stepchildren Amanda Rodriguez and Heather Surrency. She was also a proud grandmother to many, including those who are already making their own marks in the world.

Born in Falmouth, Debbie lived a vibrant life, moving through Sagamore, Sagamore Beach, and Wareham, before finally settling in Plymouth. She was a proud graduate of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. For many years, she dedicated herself to her work as a bus driver for Van Pool in Duxbury, a job that highlighted her love for community and service. Beyond her professional life, she had a passion for crafts and a noteworthy fondness for her classic 1987 Corvette convertible, a car that brought her joy especially during car shows. Debbie was an active member of the Rebels and Rods Car Club, sharing her enthusiasm for automobiles with fellow enthusiasts.

Remembering Debbie’s Family and Friends

Debbie is survived by her father, Francis Cabral, and her four brothers: Frank, Christopher, Michael, and John Cabral. She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and countless friends. Unfortunately, she was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine (Roberts) Cabral. The family is inviting friends for visiting hours at Chapman Funerals & Cremations in Wareham on July 14, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, they request donations be made in her honor to Save the Children, a cause that reflects her caring spirit.

Interestingly, as families like the Gibsons navigate their grief, the funeral industry is undergoing a radical transformation. According to DFS Memorials, the trends in death care are changing more dramatically than they have in over 200 years. As different families look to reflect their personal stories in their memorial choices, new practices are steadily gaining traction.

Changing Trends in Funerals

There’s something to be said for the evolution of consumer preferences in funerals. For instance, the demand for affordable cremation continues to rise, showing a significant change in how people choose to honor their loved ones. Recent studies show that the cremation rate has already reached 60.1% and is expected to possibly hit 80% by 2030. Direct cremation offers an economical and straightforward option for families, comprising up to 80% of cremation cases, according to the Cremation Association of North America.

A further trend highlights a growing interest in eco-friendlier practices. Families are increasingly viewing cremation as a greener choice when compared to traditional burial methods, which often involve environmentally harmful embalming fluids and concrete. Some are even exploring natural burials as an alternative, with cemeteries adding green burial sections to honor nature.

There is also a noticeable shift toward personalized memorial services that reflect the identity of the deceased. Instead of the traditional somber gatherings, many families are now choosing Life Celebration events, which focus on celebrating a person’s life in a more joyful manner. This is complemented by a resurgence of DIY funerals reminiscent of 19th-century traditions, where families led the funeral processes themselves. Today, in 40 states families can still manage funerals independently, fostering a sense of closeness and personal touch in honoring their loved ones.

In essence, while the community will forever remember Debbie Gibson for her vibrant spirit and the love she poured into her family and hobbies, larger societal trends in funeral practices may shape how stories like hers are shared and celebrated in the future.