Bette Ann Gibbons

Bette Gibbons, 1941–2025, of Merritt Island, FL, passed peacefully on the afternoon of November 14, surrounded by some of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Brian P. Gibbons of Cape Canaveral Hospital.

Born in Whitestone, New York, on August 19, 1941, to Grace Coffin Schuster and Dr. Richard Schuster, Bette pursued a career in nursing and attended Georgetown University Nursing School. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Brian, who was in medical school. They married in 1963 and made their home in the Washington, D.C. area, living in Bethesda and Fairhaven, Maryland.

In 1973, the family moved to Merritt Island, where they became devoted parishioners of Divine Mercy Church. Bette worked with Birthright in Melbourne, supporting young unwed mothers in need, and was instrumental in the founding of Genesis House in 1977. She later joined Catholic Charities, dedicating herself to adoption services. During her time there, she lovingly fostered many infants in her own home and helped place more than 100 babies with their families.

Bette is survived by their six children: Brian (April and 4 children), Dan (3 children), Mary (Ernie and 5 children), Megan (Pete and 2 children), Matt (Karen and 3 children), and Mike (Beth and 3 children). She was blessed with 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family spent many cherished summers returning to Fairhaven, Maryland, where they gathered with friends, played on the beach, ran with the crabs, and sang slightly inappropriate Bible songs—memories that remain among their favorites. There were many years the family was deeply involved in competitive AAU and USA Swimming. Bette and Brian loved to explore fine wine and hunted and collected antique glass in their travels.

Following Brian’s unexpected passing in July 1996, Bette continued her work with Catholic Charities before retiring. She went on to enjoy an active and fulfilling life, playing bridge with friends, attending the Cape Canaveral Nurses monthly luncheon, visiting her children and grandchildren, and traveling whenever she could.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 26, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph’s Historical Catholic Church and Cemetery.

Bette’s legacy will live on in all who knew her—reminding us to keep a sense of humor, to take care of one another, and, of course, that her opinion was always the right one.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Genesis House of Melbourne or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.