Rose Mary Nelson Gibson DeCoteau

Rose Mary Nelson Gibson DeCoteau – November 11, 1937 – June 7, 2026

Rose Mary Nelson Gibson DeCoteau, known lovingly to all as Aidita, passed away on June 7, 2026, at the age of 88, in Portland, Oregon. She was born on November 11, 1937, in Pueblo Nuevo, Panama, and from those humble beginnings she built a life rich in love, creativity, and an unwavering generosity that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Aidita's story is one of a life shaped by family, adventure, and an extraordinary heart. In Panama, she met and married George D. Gibson, a talented musician serving in the United States Air Force. Their union set in motion a journey that would take them across the country and around the world, building a family along the way. Their first son, Bryan, was born before the family relocated to Arizona, where their second son, David, arrived. From there, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where their third son, Ernie, joined the growing Gibson household. When George received orders to Japan, the family embarked on what would become a transformative chapter for Aidita. It was there, in a culture steeped in artistry and craftsmanship, that her remarkable gift for arts and crafts first began to take shape. Something awakened in her during those years overseas, a creative fire that would burn brightly for the rest of her life. The family then relocated to Ohio, and it was here that George and Aidita fulfilled a deep wish by adopting their daughter, Missy, completing their family in the most beautiful way. Ohio was also the place where Aidita's creative skills truly blossomed. She threw herself into every medium she could find, from her beloved sock monkeys to intricate ceramics and countless other handmade treasures. Her hands were never idle, and her imagination seemed to have no limits. From Ohio, George moved his family to the Washington, D.C. area, and later to Maryland. It was during these years that Aidita's artistry became something of a local legend. She produced beautiful, handcrafted pieces in astonishing quantity and quality, and she gave every single one of them away. She would not accept a penny for her work, not ever. Someone once offered to open a shop so she could sell her creations, recognizing the talent and market she had right at her fingertips. Aidita refused without hesitation. For her, the joy was in the making and the giving. The idea of profiting from something she considered an act of love simply did not align with who she was. And that was Aidita in a nutshell. Her warmth and generosity were infectious. If you asked her for anything, she would do whatever it took to get it done. That was simply her nature, without any reservations, without keeping score, without expecting anything in return. She gave freely of her time, her talent, and her heart, and she did so with a smile that made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Throughout the many places she called home, Aidita was actively involved in arts and crafts groups, sharing her skills and her spirit with fellow creators. She was also deeply connected to her Catholic church communities, participating in parish organizations wherever the family settled. With their children grown and making lives of their own across the country, George and Aidita moved to Florida and later to Texas, continuing to build community and spread kindness wherever they landed. Though her later years brought her to Portland, Oregon, the distance from her loved ones weighed heavily on her generous heart. In the end, it was loneliness that dimmed the light of a woman who had spent her entire life surrounded by the people she loved and pouring herself into their happiness. Aidita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George D. Gibson. She is survived by her four children: her sons, D. Bryan Gibson, G. David Gibson andhiswife Arlene, andtheirchildrenBrandonandAaleya.T. Ernest Gibson and his daughter Theresa and her husband Jefferson. And her daughter, A. Michelle Gibson. Each of them carries within them the warmth, creativity, and boundless love their mother modeled every single day. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Aidita drew strength and purpose from her faith. She lived her beliefs not through words but through action, through every sock monkey stitched with care, every ceramic piece painted with patience, and every act of kindness offered without condition. May she now rest in the eternal peace and love of the God she served so faithfully. In a final journey home, Aidita's ashes, along with George's, will be blessed and spread in Panama, returning them both to the land where their love story began. Aidita was a great hearted wife, mom, and person. Keep her in your heart and pass it along. That is what she would have wanted, not for you to mourn her, but to love like she did, freely and without reservation.