Sudden illness claims life of church member, a mother of five young children
A mother of five young children, ranging in age from three months to 8 years old, suffers from an extreme headache.
She goes to the emergency room, where she’s quickly diagnosed with severe bleeding on the brain — a hemorrhagic stroke. She’s rushed into surgery immediately. The surgery stops the bleeding, and she’s moved into ICU, the intensive care unit, in critical condition.
But six days later, the 33-year-old mother loses her fight for life.
Tyson and Jenny Gosch, with their five young children.
That’s the tragedy with which family and friends of Jenny Mae Cope-Gosch, who died Sunday, March 27, are dealing.
Jenny met her future husband, Tyson Gosch, while both were undergraduates at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. They pledged their undying devotion to each other in a Dec. 19, 1999, wedding ceremony at Stauffer Chapel — Pepperdine’s “little chapel on the hill.” A “perfect couple” was how Jenny’s mother-in-law, Gail Gosch, described the 11-year marriage.
Tyson and Jenny Gosch found a home at the Simi Valley Church of Christ in California, where Tyson served as a deacon and editor of the church bulletin for several years. He made three mission trips to India while there. Jenny taught school until the children came and then became the consummate housewife, friends said.
Last month, Tyson’s work moved them to Round Rock, Texas, in the Austin area.
“They were there only a month, just long enough to get plugged into a warm congregation, when a sudden extreme headache drove Jenny to the emergency room, and within a matter of days, she was dead,” said Steven Clark Goad, minister of the Blythe Church of Christ, a California congregation where Tyson Gosch’s father, Carl, serves as an elder.
After hearing initially from Goad, I e-mailed him to see if he knew the name of the “warm congregation.” Here’s his reply:
This amazing tragedy sort of grows day by day. The church they decided on was Westside Church of Christ in Round Rock, Texas. This church came immediately to their aid. Some 40 members were there at the hospital with Tyson when Jenny died. This congregation also paid for Tyson and the kids to be flown to Simi Valley for the Memorial Service this coming Monday. They will be providing temporary baby-sitting service until plans can be better made for caring for the children. Fortunately this move allows Tyson to work out of his home except when he has to be on the road checking with businesses that carry his product.
Jenny’s death has left the family and friends in a state of shock and disbelief, friends said.
“Tyson is left with five little children 8 and younger and enormous doctor bills waiting to be paid,” Goad said.
The Jenny Gosch Memorial Fund has been established so friends and others may contribute to the well-being of the children’s future. Individuals and churches may send checks or money orders to:
Jenny Gosch Memorial Fund
325 Village Drive
Blythe, CA 92226
Friends and loved ones are welcome to share memories of Jenny in the comments section.
-
FeedbackThanks to Bobby Ross for telling this story. No more deserving family can be found this Tyson’s. I am praying that there will be a groundswell of response to this call. Precious memories.steven clark goadMarch, 31 2011How sad and tragic. May God give an extra measure of strength to this new young widower and young father. Bless these little ones dear Lord. Perhaps church family members can create a scrap book of memories for the little ones so that we will get to know their mother. Praise God we have our church families to always lean on.Melody HuffmanMarch, 31 2011We here at Pepperdine and all the members of the Simi Church are heart-broken, for this young family demonstrated incredible love for God, for family, and for others. Tyson served as one of our most valuable employees until he left because he could be closer to his family in another job. We here also remember Jenny, who graduated in Teacher Education, and where she was always the light of any room. She was a joy-filled delight to everyone. The glory of God’s heaven means even more to me in moments like these, when (as the simply song suggests) “I sing out a love song to Jesus.” For while our hearts are still broken, we carry about a blessed assurance for Jenny and for our future together. In the meantime, I am confident that God’s people will demonstrate extraordinary love and generosity for an exceptional couple and their wonderful family. Tyson, we love you, as we loved Jenny. May God’s love comfort you in this unimaginably difficult time. Our prayers are with you and the children.Keith WhitneyMarch, 31 2011Im so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your loved ones .
My heart goes out to you , With those adorable babies.. May God comfort you at this sad time .. If theres anything I can do please let me know..
Your sister in Christ
Jamie JudeJamie JudeMarch, 31 2011My heart goes out to you Tyson and family,
I know you are feeling lost right now but have strength and keep the faith. We never know why things happen the way they do, but know that God is in control and he is with you and your children. He will help you through this. Bless your heart! Remember all the good memories of Jenny and help your children remember them. May God and his word comfort you as only he can and may he give you the strength you will need in the months to come. May God bless you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your sister in Christ,
Debbie Koehn
Pflugerville, TX
Hyde Park Church of ChristDebbie Scott KoehnMarch, 31 2011During my tenure at the Simi Church I can’t remember a time when Jenny or Tyson ever said no. Each time I asked them to help with a ministry area they always said “Yes!” I asked them if I could start my 1st small group in their apartment, “Sure!” Tyson asked if he could go with me on a tsunami relief mission trip to India although Jenny just had her second baby. She was scared for his safety but said yes. Jenny taught cradle roll for 10 years and directed VBS and carried out countless ministries for the Jesus she loved.
Christians claim faith and worship in church buildings but its those who help carry out God�s mission that are truly remarkable.
Tyson,
Becky, the boys & I love you and the kids so much! May Jeremiah 31:13 comfort your family:
“Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy;
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”John McCranieMarch, 31 2011I have talked with Jenny and Tyson’s Best friend that is there in Round Rock helping with the arrangements, They would like to ask that if anyone wants to donate money to the family. The best way would be, to go to Wells Fargo Bank and deposit into the fund that has been set up. It is called the “Jennifer Gosch Benefit Memorial Fund ” Be sure to tell them it is the one in Round Rock Texas as there seems to be two similar trust funds. Thank you for your prayers and support for this wonderful family in there time of loss. Connie Davison …. Simi Valley, CAConnie DavisonMarch, 31 2011We learned of this Sunday night at our worship service and brought them before God in our prayers. Dan Johnson one of our elders here at the Palm Springs Church of Christ knew this family as they all grew up in Blythe CA.. Our prayers will continue for them all as they deal every day with the loss of Wife,Mother,Daughter and Friend. Thank you for posting this. VBvirginia BrinleyMarch, 31 2011I had not seen Jenny since 1996, when we were in Bangkok together for Let’s Start Talking. I am so sad about this, and this is just beyond words. The above story is wonderful, and it is obvious that Jenny has left a wonderful legacy. God bless her husband and children.Andy HughesMarch, 31 2011It breaks my heart to read this story. May God bless this family.Angela VincentMarch, 31 2011Tyson and the entire Gosh and Cope families;
Rosie and I are filled with deep sorrow as we attempt to grasp the reality of such a tragic loss of your beloved Jenny. Our hearts have been stressed to the point that only prayer will bring comfort. We continue to keep you in our minds and our prayers. Our entire family is devistated as we consider Ryan a true family member and thus his family very special to us. Such a beautiful family pictured above, we see Gods love in Jenny, Tyson, and the precious children.Ron & Rosie ChavezApril, 1 2011The elders and the members of the Brooks Avenue church of Christ in Raleigh,NC are so saddened by such a tragedy. We first learned of it from Jenny’s aunt, Glenda Fowler, one of our members. Please know that besides some financial help, we are praying for Tyson, the beautiful children, Jenny’s and Tyson’s extended family, dear friends, and their church families in Texas and California. All are suffering through this. Please let us know of further developments and any help we can provide. Thank you, Christian Chronicle, for your involvement and communications of the good and the sad as we all in His Kingdom, seek more ways to serve and comfort. It is hard to see blessings in times like these, but they will become more evident as time passes. God’s people are a part of that.John GreenwoodApril, 1 2011May the love and strength of God enclose you and the entire family. In times such as these only our God can give you comfort and peace. Many times, we don’t undestand why things happen but God knows. In due time, God will open our undestanding. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. Your sister in christ, Margie N SimmonsMargie N SimmonsApril, 1 2011I have been praying fervently for this family since I read the news yesterday. I only remember Tyson and Jenny as acquiantances at Pepperdine. Praying for God�s love and peace to abound greatly in this family. I would like to post this on my blog so more people can knew about the opportunity to give to this family at this time.Laura PerezApril, 1 2011Tyson,
Pam and I wish so much to be able to be at the memorial service and share in the body of Christ lifting your sweet family up to God in petition for comfort, care, remembrance and honor of Jenny, you and the kids. Please know that are hearts and our prayers have been filled with asking God to watch over you. You know that Pam feels your loss and knows what is is like to be left alone with several children to raise up and comfort. Bryndyn is a testimony to how God will provide and children will survive. May God bless you in your difficult journey and know that we love you and that we will help in any way we can. Dan and Pam McQuiddy.Dan McQuiddyApril, 1 2011Tyson, Bro Steven Goad made me aware of your tragedy.
After reading the stories concerning your families heartache, my heart is completely wrenched. How tragic! How does one even begin to grasp the ramifications of those so deeply impacted. Only God our Father can and only God the Father can minister to each of your needs. I pray it in the name of Jesus the Christ our Lord who gave us this great assurance of His loving wonderful comfort.
H.Clayton McCool
Joelton CofC
Joelton TNH. Clayton McCoolApril, 1 2011The pain of such grief cannot be measured. God can make beauty from ashes but for now you must grieve. This grief will come and go. Let yourself feel the pain as it comes. Healing comes by allowing the pain to have its way. Our prayers are with you.Daniel KeeranApril, 1 2011I just read all the preceeding responses. This is why God invented church. We ALWAYS have family when we have church. No one is ever alone. Thank God for always planning so well for our welfare and benefit! God is so good.Laura GoadApril, 1 2011I am overwhelmed by the loving resposes to this tragedy. Keep embracing Tyson and the children in words, prayers and support. No more worthy family is there that I can think of now. Precious memories. What a grand legacy Jenny leaves in her passing. John McCranie’s words are a testimony to the kind of woman she was who constantly demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit in her life.steven clark goadApril, 1 2011Jenny was full of life and love God. She loved her brothers and her family and her mom were so close
I was so excited that she got to go to Pepperdine. My heart goes out to her husband her babies her mom and brothers And her dad.
Love you Jenny he will be missedjoanellApril, 3 2011I meet Jenny last year at vista Elemntry school. Sweet Emma and my son were in the same class.
One day I remember my son coming home to tell me that he asked Emma if she had Jesus in her heart and she said she did, and it was because her mom loved Jesus and told her. I knew from the day that I meet Jenny that there was something special about her. You could see the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit fill her. She was such a beautiful woman inside and out. And her light for Christ shined bright for all to see. I know with out a doubt that Jenny is rejoicing in the arms of her savior and I know that I will see her again. My prayers go out to Tyson and the children. I pray that they remember their mothers love for Christ and that they choose to follow in her foot steps.
Tyson, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. Prov. 3:5-6Alisha michaelsonApril, 3 2011We are extremely saddened by this news. We will lift the Gosch family up in prayer.Brenda Jennings MorganMay, 16 2011This is so tragic.
I used to sit next to her in 5th and 6th Grade.
Sweet young lady. Always well behaved and respectful. This is the 2nd person from the Bessie E. Owens Elementary Gifted and Talented Class of 1989 to pass away. We will always remember you Jennifer!Michael WhiteJune, 8 2011
In Christian love,
Sharon and Grady Troute
Centerville Church of Christ
Centerville, Ohio