GHENT–Mary R. Goetz, 87, of Chatham died on March 15, 2010 at the Whittier Nursing Home. She was born on March 19, 1922 in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Elizabeth Koch Reiner and Matyas Reiner of New Lebanon. Her brothers, Matyas Reiner of Chatham and Frank Reiner of New Lebanon, died previously.
Mrs. Goetz was the devoted wife to the late John Goetz and loving mother to the late Carol Goetz. She felt blessed to have two granddaughters; Genevieve and Georgia Goetz. She is survived by her son, John and his wife Donna Goetz; nieces Pat Colburn and Dawn Brutsch and nephews Matthew, Richard, and Frank Reiner.
Mrs. Goetz enjoyed all of her grand-nieces, grand-nephews and her many “adopted” grandchildren. She was always available to baby sit and looked forward to it. All these children will remember how she always gave them a dollar on special occasions.
Mrs. Goetz grew up in New Lebanon and at the age of 18 moved to the Bronx to stay with family and gain employment. She met a handsome young man, John, before World War II. They married in 1946 and raised their children in the Bronx. After her husband’s early death, Mrs. Goetz remained in the Bronx and worked as a bookkeeper at a bank. Twelve years ago, Mrs. Goetz returned to Chatham to be with her family and friends.
Mrs. Goetz loved to dance and did so in many settings including the West Prima Ballroom, square dancing and at weddings. She was full of life and traveled to Europe three times in her later years. Her favorite hobby was taking photos of everyone and everything.
The Goetz family would like to send sincere thanks for the wonderful, personal care given to Mary from the staff at Whittier Rehab and Nursing Center, and equal thanks to the Hospice Staff from Columbia-Greene. Donations in Mrs. Goetz’s memory may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene at 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.
Calling hours will be at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl funeral home, Chatham Wednesday, March 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mrs. Goetz will be buried in the family plot at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx on Thursday. Please meet at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Coach service will be provided for family and friends wishing to attend the burial.
For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com.