Downtown Naperville loses an 'angel among us'

Gail Andrews Bivin always thought of Naperville's Hometown Holidays as more than just another celebration.

Every year, as last-second arrangements were being made, she could be seen scurrying about making sure things were just right. After all, the children from Little Friends Inc., an organization devoted to kids with autism and developmental disabilities, would be there to enjoy the party.

"We were kind of her elves," said her friend and fellow Naperville business owner Mary Ann Junkroski. "She would be running up and down and getting that stage decorated in time so we could get Santa."

Bivin died Wednesday at her home after battling breast cancer - which ultimately spread to her liver - for more than two years. She was 54.

Until recently, Bivin owned The Canterbury Shoppe, a downtown store specializing in out-of-the-ordinary gifts.

Junkroski has known Bivin since Canterbury opened in 1996.

"She was one of my mentors in life," Junkroski said. "She was probably one of the most honest, community-minded people I have ever met."

Bivin was a member of the board of directors for Naperville-based Little Friends for several years. She received a Distinguished Service Award from the Naperville Jaycees and her shop was named the Small Business of the Year in 2007 by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor George Pradel had declared Aug. 11, her 54th birthday, "Gail Andrews Bivin Day" in the city.

"She caught the strings of our hearts and I felt that for everybody around here," he said. "Nobody had a bad word against her. We were reaching out to say, 'We love you.'"

From September through January, Bivin's shop had somewhat of a double purpose. Half was stocked with Christmas-themed gifts while the other part was full of gifts appropriate for other holidays and special occasions. They ranged from somewhat off-the-wall items like an alarm clock on wheels to beer glasses made from bottles of beer.

And if a charitable organization came calling for donations, she always obliged.

"She gave to everybody. I don't know how she stayed in business," said employee Cheryl Weissenhofer with a laugh. "She was a very kind person. An asset to the community. She will be missed."

Bivin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. After a brief battle with the disease, she was given a clean bill of health. But on May 13, she learned it had returned.

Later in the year, she was told it had spread to her liver. As her health deteriorated, she could no longer work and decided to sell the business. On Sunday, she officially handed over the keys.

"We lost an angel among us, just a princess of a lady," Junkroski said. "She was a wonderful business owner, a philanthropic person and a genuine positive spirit. We lost a good one in Gail."

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Monday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Little Friends, 140 N. Wright St., Naperville. Call (630) 355-0213 for more information.

• Daily Herald Correspondent Stephanie Penick contributed to this report.