Sylvia Darlene Goetzman-Rochester.

The memorial Mass for Sylvia Goetzman will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be the hour prior beginning at 10am. Burial will be in the Calvary Columbarium at a later date.

Sylvia, 79, of Rochester, MN, formerly of Denver, Colorado, died Tuesday, December 26, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, after complications of surgery following an unexpected illness.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Sylvia Kotowski married Richard Goetzman on May 5, 1962. The couple had four children, and lived in numerous places before settling in Rochester in 1975. Sylvia was a long-time employee of the Rochester School District working at John Adams Middle School, ESC, and Northrop Community Services. After retirement she volunteered at Season's Hospice and at the Mayo Clinic.

Survivors include her husband, Richard; children, Kayla Goetzman of Rochester, MN, Keith (Amy) Goetzman of St. Paul, MN, Karen (Mark) Jeanson of Rochester, MN, and Kathy (Nick) Jarosinski of Pine Island, MN; and seven grandchildren, Emma, Sarah, Joe, Alec, Everett, Wyatt, and Scarlett.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Diane.

She was a 26-year breast cancer survivor and annually walked with her daughters and granddaughters in the Join the Journey breast cancer walk.

She loved to garden with her 29 roses bushes being the highlight, loved putting puzzles together, loved going for a walk every day, and was an incredible baker with cookies and pies being her favorite.

Sylvia was known for her gentle soul and radiant smile. She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Donations to Join the Journey in lieu of flowers are acceptable.