Rebecca Gibney has shared the heartbreaking news that her beloved mother, Shirley, has died aged 91.
The Gold Logie-winning actress announced the loss in an emotional Instagram post, telling followers her family was “utterly heartbroken”.
Rebecca Gibney has announced the death of her mother Shirley. Instagram/ @rebeccagibney_
“We are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful mother Shirley Gibney,” she wrote.
Gibney, 61, described her mother as a woman who “represented everything that is good in the world”.
“This week has been about coming to terms with an unfathomable loss but I know mum would want to thank everyone for the love, compassion and kindness they have shown her through the years.”
In the tribute, Gibney reflected on her mother’s resilience, saying Shirley had overcome significant hardship throughout her life and carried an “unbreakable” faith.
“She believed that life would always get better – no matter what you are going through.
“You just have to trust in the knowledge that light will always follow the dark, that good will prevail and love is really all that matters.”
To honour her mother, Gibney urged people to “be kind” and show compassion to others.
“Please keep your face toward the light, show forgiveness and compassion. Love one another. And wherever possible do something to brighten someone else’s day.
The actress paid tribute to her “beautiful” mum in an emotional post. Instagram/ @rebeccagibney_
“I’m not sure how I will navigate life without my Mum but I am so grateful I was blessed to have her as my angel on earth for so long,” she wrote.
“And I will miss her beyond words,” Gibney concluded, adding, “I Love You Mum ♥️.”
Shirley Gibney died on June 21, aged 91.
Fans and friends flooded the comments of her post with messages of love and support, many remembering Shirley from Gibney’s social media.
Gibney said she would miss her mother “beyond words”. Instagram/ @rebeccagibney_
The loss comes just weeks after the Packed to the Rafters star revealed her mother had been in hospital dealing with health issues.
“I haven’t disappeared – there has just been some ‘stuff’ going on,” she wrote in the post to her more than 248,000 followers.
“Firstly – Mama Shirl is in hospital and has been dealing with a few issues but is doing well – anyone that follows me knows and loves Mum so thought I should share that – please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she climbs yet another mountain.”