Ever laugh with delight at the rubber duckies in the fountain outside the Bistro? Ever marvel at the intrepid San Jose pioneers whose stories are captured at History Park on Senter Road near Happy Hollow? Ever spot a tall, smiling woman with a hastily pinned chignon topped with a battered straw hat and wearing a flowing Chinese robe who was walking a curious, lively Affenpinscher? If so, you were touched by the spirit of Mignon Gibson, Verano resident who died November 23 after a brief illness.
Lover of The Villages open space, public historian, and spiritual seeker, Mignon leaves a legacy in her “baby,” History Park, known originally as the San Jose Historical Museum. Mignon worked at the museum for 23 years, and served as Museum Director from 1982-1997. Under her leadership, the Historical Museum flourished, developing local history programs, and bringing together many local culture groups to celebrate their histories.
About those ducks? Discovering a sale on rubber ducks at the Dollar Store, Mignon scooped them up. She checked with Jerry Neece, then on the Club Board, about floating them in the Bistro fountain as a touch of whimsy. The bobbing duckies brought smiles to golfers, diners, and visiting grandkids. Her last stash of rubber duckies was given to Jerry, who floated a single duckie in the fountain the day after Mignon’s death.
Private services were held at Mignon’s home on November 24. Next Spring a Celebration of Mignon’s Life is being planned at History Park to bring together Mignon’s friends and admirers who were touched by her life and legacy.
