Kathleen Rose Goelz

Kathleen (Kay) Rose Goelz  July 20, 1932 - February 13, 2026

Kay was born in Toronto, Canada to James and Rose Reynolds and spent her early years living in an apartment near Yonge Street.  She grew up watching over her younger Sister Barbara and acting as a helping hand to Rose.  Kay spent her childhood summers in various Girl Guide Camps where Rose worked, which gave her an opportunity to escape the hot summers of Toronto and be with nature.  

From a very early age Kay was drawn to music especially choirs and would spend countless hours listening to various Operas and Choirs broadcast from NYC on the family radio.  Her goal was to become a professional singer, however her family could not afford professional lessons.  As a young adult Kay sang in several Toronto City Choirs with a bold soprano voice.  At that time, she worked as a Secretary for various Insurance Companies in Toronto.  This role demanded that she learn shorthand and use the very large, complex typewriters used for Insurance paperwork then. 

In early 1958 Kay and her good friend Mae decided to pack up, take the train to Penn Station, NYC, and start a new life in America.   Upon arriving in NYC she settled with Mae in an apartment in Astoria.  One fateful evening she was at a Church Social Dance when William (Bill) this very tall guy mustered the courage to ask her to dance.  This was the start of their decades-long love affair.  They were married on December 20, 1958, and moved to an apartment In Jackson Heights, NY.  In April 1963 Kay gave birth to a Son Bruce and in February 1966, a Daughter Barbara.   During this time Kay became an American Citizen, renouncing her Canadian Citizenship in 1965.  

In January 1967 Kay and her family moved to Plainview where she lived for the majority of the rest of her life.  She became very active in the Woodbury United Methodist Church, singing in the Choir, helping with baking projects, and assisting with whatever else the Church asked of her.  She took on the role of stay-at-home Mom with gusto!  Her children always had a hot breakfast before walking to school and she always made sure there was a home-cooked meal every evening.  Kay was a prolific sewer, knitter etc and spent countless hours making curtains, dresses, bathrobes and comforters for her family.  She was also a wonderful cook and baker who made all sorts of cookies, pies and other pastries.   Kay also loved spending countless hours "digging in the dirt" in her backyard garden as she loved flowers and plants.      

Once her children were grown Kay decided to return to full-time work as a Secretary/Administrative Assistant at the Syosset School District.  This job allowed her and Bill to go and see the world!  By the time she stopped traveling she had accumulated over 12 picture albums of their travels.  They traveled either alone or with their good friends Gisela and Andrew.  As time went on Kay helped Bill with his health struggles and mourned for all the family and friends who passed before her, but she remained active by working 3 hours a day and singing in the Choir.  

In 2018 Kay made the decision to move down to South Carolina to be around people and stay active.  She enjoyed her time in South Carolina staying active by singing in Chapel, developing her arts and crafts abilities and spending time with her Children who would eventually move down to South Carolina as well.  A fall in October 2025 caused her to fracture her leg, setting in motion her rapid physical decline.  At the time of her passing she was in the loving care of Barbara and Bruce.  Kay is survived by Barbara and her Husband Tom , Bruce and his Wife Monika, along with 4 Grandchildren:  Bruce II and his Wife Julianna, Jeffrey and his Fiancée Brooke, Kaitlyn and her Husband Brooks and Kyle and his Girlfriend Katie.

Kay's energy, outspokenness, and love of life will be missed by all who knew her.  May she rest in peace and be reunited with all of her loved ones in Heaven

Mrs. Goelz is entrusted to Kelvin F. Lewis, the funeral director, and the Lewis Crematory & Funeral Home staff of Myrtle Beach, SC. (843) 294-0011.        

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