Born on April 1, 1937, in Cleveland Ohio, to George and Winifred Strong, Sandra Gioia – affectionately known as “Sandy” – brought warmth, humor, strength, honesty, and an unmatched fighting spirit into the world.  Her life was a testament to faith, family, and the quiet power of love shown through her everyday acts of caring.

Growing up, her nickname was “Mighty Mouse” due to a combination of her small size, feistiness, and last name of Strong.  She never lost this fighting spirit throughout her life, even during times of great trial and hardship.

As a teenager, she worked at Woolworth’s and Lord & Taylor, and then as an accountant for American Greeting Company. 

In addition to being a devoted Mom and grandmother, two of Sandy’s greatest lifelong joys were reading and sports.  She shared a love of books with her dad, who once told her, “Reading books will take you to places and times you can never go to in person.”  She particularly loved the authors Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, and Jana DeLeon.  As a kid, she loved playing baseball, swimming, and hiking.  She enjoyed watching sports, but especially hockey and was an ardent Detroit Red Wings fan. 

She was also an enthusiastic fan of game shows, particularly Match Game, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy – often being the first to triumphantly shout out the answers.

Sandy fought a good fight, kept her faith, and gained her wings when the Lord called her home on November 2, 2025, at the blessed age of 88.  She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. 

Her husband, Giulio Gioia; sister, Ruth Doman; brother-in-law, Ernest Doman; nephew Bruce Doman; and great-niece, Sophia Maloof preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Albert Betzler (Marianne); daughter, Brenda Betzler; grandchildren, Brianna, Ashleigh, and Ethan Betzler; nieces, Cindi Doman and Barbara Gentile (Tony); and nephews, David (Bonni), Steven (Kathie), and Tom (Michele).

Her generous heart will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Sandra’s family will receive guests on Wednesday, November 5th, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary Service at McCabe Funeral Home – Farmington Hills, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. She will lie in state Thursday, November 6th, at 10:30 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated in Sandra’s name.