Tribute & Message From The Family
Goitz, Katarina M.
MISS KATARINA GOITZ Age 25 died on the morning of June 24th in Chicago in a motor vehicle accident. Beloved only daughter of Henry Goitz and Lorraine Armstrong. Sister of Ensign Dylan Goitz (US Navy). Born 1994 in Detroit, MI, attended Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Academy, University Liggett high school (where she became fluent in Spanish thanks to Doctora Emory), and graduate of the University of Notre Dame (Chinese major, Economics Minor). Received Master's Degree in Theology also from the University of Notre Dame. Worked as youth minister, through the Notre Dame ECHO program for 2 years in a Hispanic community in Houston, and then began her first job in August 2018 as a youth minister, with Holy Family Parish in Galveston, Texas. She touched countless lives throughout her brief time in this world as others witnessed her honesty, purity, holiness, gentleness, generosity, kindness, service, caring and love to all! She was passionate about her faith, and found her peace in being in the presence of the Lord. She cared deeply for the unborn, human trafficking, prison ministry, and bringing others to God. She loved Irish dance, Texas 2 stepping, dancing at the Backer at Notre Dame, and caring for her pet cat Snickers, dog Cora, and hermit crab Penelope who is now 6 years old.
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KATARINA'S MESSAGE TO US ALL: taken from 'Faith ND Reflection' (August 26, 2016), written by Katarina, on New Testament parable scripture passage (Matthew 25:1-12):
"… I need to focus on how I'm living today and not wait for a later day to make more time for God. It can't wait because I will 'KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR'…We know that death is inevitable, but do not know when it will come…What are our relationships like with friends and family? Do we strive to treat them with the love and patience that God would have? Are we spending enough quality time with God and others? Is prayer time pushed aside until bedtime when we are overwhelmed with school, work, or other activities?
Instead of despairing with the thought that we have no time, we simply need to create time intentionally and include God throughout our day with more constant communication"… this passage is a great wake up call to be more disciplined and wise in our everyday life… we need to prepare."
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Visitation: Friday, July 5, 4-8 pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (Metro Parkway, 16 mile) 586-826-8550.
Words and Reflections Written by Katarina 7 pm.
(Please also bring written memories and/or stories of Katarina to be posted on bulletin board and then saved and compiled in book for Goitz family-– if unable to attend, please send: hgoitz1@gmail.com)
Funeral: Saturday, July 6, 9-10 am Visitation, 10 am Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford St, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI.
Will lay to rest: Monday, July 8, 1 pm Cedar Grove Cemetery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.
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Our beloved Katarina was uniquely gifted with joy in her vocation as a Youth Minister, a joy that shown unstoppably outward onto everyone who encountered her, most especially her students. So that we may all take part in continuing to encourage the joyful education of young people, on behalf of Katarina, donate to: Katarina Goitz Memorial Fund,
Holy Family Parish - Youth Ministry Program
1010 35th St,
Galveston, TX 77550
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Local Lodging (let hotel know in town for Katarina for bereavement rate): Hampton Inn, 33680 Gratiot Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Phone: 586-792-1500. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.
Condolence & Memory Journal
My name is Sarah Krug and I am a friend of Katarina's from Notre Dame. I joined the Big Sister/Little Sister program in Breen-Phillips Hall my senior year and was lucky enough to be paired with Katarina as my "little sister". As I got to know her over the course of the year, I discovered that she was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Posted by
Sarah Krug - Kettering, OH - Friend October 05, 2019
I had the pleasure of traveling with Katarina and her Aunt Darlene in 2007 to South Dakota. She impressed me immediately as a thoughtful and intelligent young lady. I was saddened to hear of her tragic passing but her light shined brightly in this world and she will not be forgotten by those whose lives she touched with her kindness.
Mark Bradley
Travel Writer
Posted by
Mark Bradley - Chillicothe, IL - Acquaintance September 12, 2019
Hello, I am Carol S. Borne, grandmother of one of Katarina's confirmation class students with Holy Family Parish. From time to time, I would chat with Katarina regarding the classes and events for the students. Katarina always made great remarks to me about my granddaughter, and would pick her as one the students to represent our parish for different events through out the year. This made me very proud, as I have raised my granddaughter Devon Sendejas since birth. We are so happy to have met her and so sad about her departure. We are comforted knowing she is in the arms of Our Lord. You have an exceptional daughter, beautiful inside and out! I thank her in my prayers, for always thinking of my beautiful granddaughter as she always did, along with several other students in her class. May god bless your family always.
Posted by
Carol Sendejas Borne - Galveston, TX - friend August 13, 2019
My Deepest Sympathy to Henry and the Goitz Family. There are no words that can describe the pain of the loss of a child. May God be with you always.
Posted by
Joseph Guglielmo - Woodhaven, NY August 05, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Goitz and Armtrong families. Love to all.
Posted by
Robin Leach-Lakin - San Diego, CA - Family Friend July 14, 2019
I still can't believe she is gone. My heart and prayers go out to Katarina's Family. Thank you for sharing your Angel with us all, the world is a better place because she touched all of our lives.
Posted by
Carla Cortez - Houston, TX - Friend July 09, 2019
Goitz Family, you are in our thoughts through this terrible time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Posted by
ACL Research Team - Warren, MI - Coworker July 08, 2019
Words can't explain how deeply sorry we are for the loss of your dear Katarina. Caity and I send our deepest sympathies. The Russell's
Posted by
Cheri Russell - st. clair shores, MI - Neighbor July 07, 2019
Katarina was such a kind and sweet soul who lived life with great exuberance and joy! She loved Irish step dancing and danced so beautifully for the Detroit St Patrick's Parade Mass. I served as a judge when Katarina competed to represent the Irish Community in the Court of St. Bridget. I remember I pinched myself in a vain effort to stop my tears when she talked so poignantly about the importance of faith in her life. That she chose to tell us about her love of God during this competition so deeply touched me and others that night. She loved representing the Irish community in the Court of St. Bridget, and she did so with such pride and enthusiasm. What a gift she was to us here on earth and she will no doubt enrich the heavens with her joyful presence!
Lorraine, Henry and Dylan, we are so deeply sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.
Anne White O'Hara, Pat, Julia and Tom O'Hara
Posted by
Anne, Pat, Julia and Tom O'Hara - Grosse Pointe Park, MI - Friend July 06, 2019
I ache with lorraine and henry. She grew up to be a very special and wonderful person. the world shines a little bit more because she was here.
Posted by
Larry Gant - Canton, MI - Friend July 06, 2019
She was such a joy to her parents, and a beautiful spirit. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My prayers to Lorraine Henry and Dylan, as well as to their families. Love, Kathleen Sullivan Sealey (friend) Miami, Fl
Posted by
Kathleen Sealey - Miami, FL July 05, 2019
Siento un gran dolor por tu partida de este mundo, te extrañaré por siempre. Desde que te conocí sentí una presencia angelical por tu forma de ser tan dulce por tu gran amor a Dios en todas tus acciones. Katarina no será fácil regresar a nuestra oficina que compartimos juntas, habrá un gran vacío es muy difícil pensar que ya no estarás ahí querida amiga. También extrañaré a tu gatito Snickers que con mucho gusto te lo cuidadaba. Rezo por tu alma que goces la presencia de Dios nuestro Señor. También por tus padres y tu hermano para que Dios les de la fortaleza y el consuelo que necesitan en este momento.
Te quiero my girl descansa en paz.
It deeply pains me to think about your leaving this world, I'll miss you forever. Since the first time I met you I felt an angelic presence from your sweet way of being, and your profound love of God. Katarina, it won't be easy returning to our shared office; there will be a great absence reminding me of that you won't be there anymore, dear friend. I'll also miss your gatito Snickers that I loved caring for. I pray that your soul will enjoy the presence of God, our lord; also, for your parents and brother, that God gives them the strength and consolation they need at this moment. I love you my girl, rest in peace.
Posted by
Ana Boleman - Galveston, TX - Coworker July 05, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Katarina's death. She was a special person. I will always cherish fond memories of her.
Posted by
Terry Joiner - Ann Arbor, MI - Friend July 05, 2019
Henry, Lorraine and Dylan, My heart breaks for you so much! It is because I knew how much love she has for you and will continue to have. I am so grateful that I had a small bit of time in her life because she touched me so deeply with her spirituality and grace. She is our angel who walked among us but ever so close to the angels and saints in heaven. God bless you and keep you close to Him.
Posted by
Michelle Laboe - Grosse Pointe, MI - Friend July 05, 2019
Henry, Lorraine and Dylan - So sorry to hear about Katarina. What a faithful young women who was overflowing with love. She has touched and enriched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by
Randy and Pam Rennpage - Grosse Pointe Woods, MI - Friend July 05, 2019
Henry Lorraine and Dylan
Your precious pearl is in the arms of our loving mother Mary and her son Jesus !!
It seems God calls the sweetest flowers from the garden first sometimes
You as parents do an amazing job and her life lives on in all she touched
Please know you and your family are so loved by this community at Star
Don't ever hesitate to reach out when you need us
Posted by
Mariann Bolton - Grosse pointe shores, MI - Friend July 05, 2019
University Liggett Schoo class of 2012. Katarina received the top award of her grade for excellence in everything. She continued on to touch many lives with kindness and compassion. Chris, Nina and Matthew will miss her dearly, and will always be in our hearts as we pray for your family.
Rest In Peace beautiful angel.
Posted by
Riva Monsour - Saint Clair Shores, MI - Friend July 04, 2019
Dr Armstrong, Dr Goitz , Dylan I Can't Imagine What You're Going Through Now I Can However Offer You My Prayers And Sympathy My Son (Kelton Verble) And I Had The Honor And Privileged To Know Your Beautiful Katarina She Brought Sunshine To Everyone I First Met Her At Grosse Pointe Academy I Some How Knew She Was Special She And Kelton Graduated From Liggett High School In 2012 I Love Her Letter And It Has Me Reassessing My Daily Time With Our GOD I Promise To Do Better Thank You Katarina
Posted by
Tina Verble - Detroit, MI - Friend July 03, 2019
I remember Katarina singing at her Grandfathers Funeral Mass at Star/Sea. I had the honor of being the SUB Organist of the day. She sang wonderfully and it was my last time with her. Lovely conversation with a very special young lady. Don Kukier
Posted by
Donald Kukier - Ferndale, MI - friend July 03, 2019
Henry, Lorraine, Dylan It was with deep sadness that I learned of Katarina's passing. She was delightful and funny and taken from us to soon. My prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Posted by
Patricia Donowski - Ridgewood, NY - family July 02, 2019
Dr.Goitz, Dr.Armstrong and Dylan, it has been over a week now and I still am having a hard time believing your beautiful daughter and sister is gone. My heart is heavy with sadness for you all. Although I hadn't seen her in quite some time, I will always remember babysitting her when she was just a little baby with that curly hair. I loved watching her. She was a sweet little girl. I will cherish those memories always. May God guide you and give you strength in this time of deep sorrow. I know Katarina is up in heaven looking down upon you with deep love. You gave her a beautiful life. Xoxo
Posted by
Michele Maggio - St. Clair shores, MI - Family Friend July 02, 2019
We are so very saddened to hear about your loss. What a gift Katarina was to us all. We will be forever grateful for her light and example of faith, which she shared with our youth. Eternal rest grant unto her, o Litd, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May You feel the loving arms of Jesus & Mary surrounding you now & in the months ahead.
Posted by
Kathleen Bucher - Houston, TX - Acquaintance July 02, 2019
My God be with her family and friends. I pray that they have a peace of mind with blessing from the Lord.
Posted by
Yvonne Chism - CALUMET CITY, IL July 01, 2019
Lorraine and Henry and Dylan,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Wish we could make it over. I wish we could have known her- she sounds like a bit of her parents! Hugs and love to all!
Jane and Steve Byrd
Posted by
Jane and Steve Byrd - Chippewa Falls, WI - Friend July 01, 2019
"It is hard to believe that anyone could live a more SAINTLY life here on earth than did KATARINA. Surely she is now a SAINT and we can talk to her at any time. Her SPIRIT is with us forever. We love you KATARINA. Momma Ann, Grand Dad, and Warren Armstrong."
Posted by
Grand Dad & Momma Ann - Waynesville, NC - Grandparent July 01, 2019
In loving memory of a beautiful soul, Katarina Marie Goitz. You truly made a huge impact in my life that I will never forget. Heaven has gained a beautiful kind hearted angel. I'll always have you in my heart. I love you! My prayers go out to the Goitz family, God Bless.
Posted by
Andrea Lopez Trejo - Galveston, TX - Student June 30, 2019
Henry, Lorraine and Dylan,
We are so sorry for your loss. Katarina was a sweet, loving person who touched everyone with whom she came in contact. May your beautiful memories of her sustain you now, in your bereavement, and in the future as you work to understand this tragedy. We know Katarina will be a part of you always, and fill you with the strength to lighten your burden and fill you with hope and a loving heart.
With our deepest sympathy and loving prayers,
Peter and Linda Tolias
Posted by
Peter ToIas - Kewadin, MI - Friend June 29, 2019
Even though Katarina was a year older than me in high school, she was always so sweet, kind and helpful towards me. I will always remember sitting with Katarina, my sister Laura and their friends at lunch and laughing constantly. Katarina has the most joyful smile. I look forward to seeing it again one day. Praying for peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding.
Posted by
Kiristin Schick - Utica, MI - Classmate June 29, 2019
I am so very sorry for your great loss. You can be assured she is in heaven with the Lord.We should all strive to live like Katarina.May God Bless the Goitz family.
Posted by
Michelle Beeler - MI June 28, 2019
Katarina was a saint on earth for all to witness. She is now home and she lives on in the lives of all those she touched here on earth. I will be forever grateful that she came into my life albeit too briefly.
Posted by
Dan Saracino - Granger, IN - Friend June 28, 2019
Henry,Lorraine and Dylan, my heart breaks for your loss. Katarina was such a beautiful person. When she traveled with us to various Feisanna,Katarina was a joy to be with. Her enthusiasm and smile filled the space. It sure sucks
Posted by
Bill Cahalan - Royal Oak, MI - Friend June 28, 2019
To the Goitz family - "blessed are they who mourn - for they shall be comforted" May God bless you all now.
Posted by
alice hadrich - North Branch, MI - Coworker June 28, 2019
Henry Lorraine I am so sorry for your loss
Posted by
Eduardo Jonas - Harrison Township, MI - Friend June 28, 2019
Dear parents, family and friends of Katarina Goitz,
On behalf of the Notre Dame Club of Detroit, please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved Katarina. May the soul of Katarina be at peace with our Heavenly Father.
John Fitzpatrick
President, Notre Dame Club of Detroit
Posted by
John Fitzpatrick - Livonia, MI - Classmate June 27, 2019
My deepest condolences to you at this time of deepest despair. I've been praying for your family all week and will support you any way I can. God speed.
Posted by
Steven Karageanes - Beverly Hills, MI - Friend June 27, 2019
To Dr.Armstong & Dr. Goitz my prayers are with you and your family
Kim Thomas (Pierson Clinic)
Posted by
Kimberly Thomas - Detroit, MI - Coworker June 27, 2019