Babette M. Gould, loving wife and mother

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Babette M. Gould Goff entered into rest and into the arms of Jesus on Monday (Aug. 25, 2025) at home, surrounded by her husband and her children. This followed a long progression of dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Babette was born Oct. 13, 1953, at Olean General Hospital in Olean, N.Y. Her childhood home was on Howard Street in Franklinville, N.Y. She was the second child of Dana A. and JoAnn McGill Gould.

Babette attended First Baptist Church in Franklinville. She and her family spent many seasons as church custodians. It was there that she was first introduced to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In 1982, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, Babette committed her life to Jesus, asking Him to be her Lord and Savior.

Babette graduated from Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville with the Class of 1972. She attended Mohawk Valley Community College prior to spending time in France as an Au Pere (nanny)/English tutor.

Upon her return to the United States, she worked as an administrative assistant for Jamestown Community College. Following her marriage to Thomas D. Goff of Scottsville, N.Y., she worked in banking as a credit manager. She continued in banking following her husband’s appointment to Ministry at First Baptist Church in Franklinville.

During this time of ministry, she and Thomas had a music ministry of Worship for the church, for Camp JYC, and for the community.

In 1994, the Lord led them to ministry in Florida. Together, they became resident “house parents” in a group home for children from homes of neglect and abuse. They were released from that ministry after a year. Babette became a caregiver for her mother-in-law as well as for her own children. She welcomed the task of being a “home schooling mom.” She also started a certified day care home and provided daycare for children of numerous clients.

Following her husband’s retirement from many years in customer service work, the family moved to Kissimmee, where Thomas had secured a position with Walt Disney World. The magic of Disney brought many opportunities of relaxation and comfort for her with her family. Babette’s dementia became progressively worse leading to her eventual “graduation to Glory.”

Along with her loving husband of 48 years, Thomas, Babette is survived by a son, Dana Gordon Goff; a daughter, Emma Ruth Goff ,both of Florida; and a sister, Vicki (Roger) Balcom of Hobe Sound.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Robin Dana Gould.

A graveside memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Mount Prospect Cemetery in Franklinville.

Memorial donations may to made to First Baptist Church, 27 S. Main St., Franklinville, NY 14737, and designated for the continuing ministry of Camp JYC.

Local Arrangements are under the direction of the Babbitt & Easton Funeral Home, 7 N. Main St., Franklinville.

Online condolences may be made at https://www.babbitteastonfh.com/.