After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Kathy passed peacefully on July 16th, 2023. She was 74.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years Jeffrey Thomas Goetz, and by her parents Sterling Bertram Burroughs and Anna Hathcock Burroughs. She is survived by her children, Jeremy (Eva) Goetz, Meghan (Milan) Mitrovich, and Kristen (Christopher) Rich, her sister Nancy Gisin, her brother James Burroughs, along with seven grandchildren and many friends and family.
Kathy was born on Valentine’s Day in 1949 and lived her early years in Washington DC. When she was fifteen, Kathy was crowned queen of the Annual Dogwood Festival at Gordon Junior High. In 1967, Kathy graduated from Western High School before attending Lynchburg University. Her career began at American University in the School of Business where she counseled graduate students.
After meeting on a blind date, Kathy and Jeff were married in 1971. In 1980 they moved their growing family to Howard County, Maryland where they lived for the remainder of their years. She raised three children, initially as a stay-at-home mom and later as a full-time working mother. Her career included time with Ryland Mortgage Company, LDR International, and HNTB.
Her kindness, strength of character and willingness to help were manifest. As a mother she could be counted on for a custom-made Halloween costume, an intricate handmade doll outfit, or a creatively decorated homemade birthday cake. She was an ardent advocate and volunteer on behalf of her children. Leading scouts, coaching soccer, attending PTA meetings, and cheering from the crowd of every event.
Following her retirement, and throughout her battle with cancer, Kathy volunteered at the Salvation Army and knitted scarves for the homeless.
She was outgoing and strong-willed. Kathy could easily make conversation with anyone and was always at the center of activity. In her last months she was busy leading resident council meetings and organizing activity groups for her peers.
She was loved and will be missed dearly.
Services will be held at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery on September 1, 2023, at 10 o’clock AM. Luncheon after at the Lakeside Pavilion Rocky Gap.
In honor of her life, donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://www.themmrf.org/).