We are mourning the passing of Betty W. Gibson of Wayland and Framingham, who died peacefully on October 26, 2022 at the age of 67 surrounded by her loving family after a period of declining health.
Betty was predeceased by her Father and Mother, Robert and Betty Gibson of Wayland and her partner for over 25 years, Deborah Elgart of Ashland.
She is survived by her son Joshua and his wife Amy Elgart of Ashland, her daughter, Jennifer and her husband Russ McKee of Stafford, NH, and the pride and joy of her life, her grandchildren, Ava and Petra Elgart and Logan and Peyton McKee.
She is also survived by her sister, Deborah Roberts of Wayland, brother Edward and Linda Gibson of Southborough, brother Robert and Diane Gibson of Wilmington, NC, brother David Gibson of Norwood and sister Sara Latessa of Walpole; 3 nieces, 5 nephews, 3 grandnieces and 2 grandnephews.
Betty graduated from Wayland High School in 1973 and Colby College in 1977 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She had a special love of her writing and poetry. Betty utilized her degree in a lifetime of devotion to the caring and education of children both in her own family and in the Framingham School System. She was instrumental in the extended day program development, starting as a teacher, and then for over 10 years as the director of the Framingham Extended Day program in Stapleton School.
Betty took great pride in teaching and caring for all students who passed through her program. She identified children's individual needs and ensured that the program met them. She rejoiced in helping kids who didn’t fit in or required special attention and watching them thrive. She also loved supporting and training the teachers at Framingham Extended Day.
One of Betty’s passions was traveling, whether to Disney, Barbados, Aruba or on a cruise, she enjoyed every minute. However, the greatest joy of her life was staying at her house in Maine. She loved the peaceful beauty of the lake with the sound of the loons and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
Betty’s love for her huge, noisy family was immeasurable. She relished every family gathering and catching up with everyone. She was a wise and thoughtful advisor to most of us and she will be deeply missed by anyone who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Uxbridge and Mendon, 13 Maple Street, Mendon on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10AM with the private burial immediately after at Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Center.