Betty Joanne Black-Gossage

Our beloved and beautiful Betty Joanne Black-Gossage, daughter of Howard and Alice Black, is now among the angels after she fought so hard with aggressive cancer. This tough lady smiled and consoled her doctors and loved ones throughout, as we all tried to make her last days on this Earth as comfortable and loving as possible. I think we did. She felt and knew how many others were trying to reach her, sending love from afar, or just hadn’t arrived yet. Her best friends from 2nd grade were minutes away with homemade soup when they got the text. She loved you all. Her last poem was appropriately titled, Covid Sucks, it kept us all from her this last precious year. Massillon will never be the same without Betty aka Mother Goose, Grandma Goose, Grandma Mimi, Grandma Betty, Betty Boop, Mom, Sister, My Other Mother, Babysitter, and friend to so, so many. We can’t wait to hear how many of you had received a handwritten, personal poem from her over the years. She always highlighted what she liked about you, didn't she? She knew everyone's birthday and I'm sure many of you received a card each year with her beautiful handwriting and you felt her love. We know we did. The condolences have poured in as news of Betty spread across town. The “Sweetest woman we’ve ever met” “I just loved her” “She was like a mother/sister to me” were the most common messages we have received. Her girls, Sue, Lisa, and Amy agreed that if we could be a quarter of the gracious, selfless, thoughtful, and kind woman she was, we would be incredibly lucky. We told her we’d be OK because she raised us. Betty was an adored mother of four, mother-in-law to three, grandmother to thirteen, great-grandmother of six, sister to four siblings, aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, a second mom to most of our friends, and a friend to so many. Rest in peace, beautiful sweet angel. Until we all meet again. We love you; we love you; we love you. Your family and friends. xoxo Funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, February 22, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Raymond Paul officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11am on Monday prior to the service at the church. Livestream to those who are unable to attend will be available at 11am on Monday Click Here In lieu of flowers, a college memorial fund is in process and donations would be appreciated. Information of where to donate will be announced as soon as possible. Continuing with COVID-19 precautions, all attending will be asked to follow proper social distancing protocol and masks are required. If you are not feeling well, or if you have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home. Paquelet Funeral Home 330-833-3222 www.paquelet.com