Katherine Goldrick

Katherine W. "Kay" Goldrick, an early childhood educator who spent her lifetime teaching children and adults the joy of playing, talking, thinking and working together, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006, in Cape Girardeau. She was 85.

She died of complications from prior strokes, her family said.

Mrs. Goldrick, who moved to Cape Girardeau in 1960, started the kindergarten program at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in 1973, and later co-founded the Christian School for the Young Years. Aside from the normal kindergarten curriculum, children in her classes received training in etiquette, kindness and manners.

Her friends, family and students recall Mrs. Goldrick singing, dancing and creating joy, often with a twinkle in her eyes.

Katherine Winifred Stogdill was born Feb. 25, 1921, in Bluffton, Ind. She graduated from Purdue University and began her teaching career as a head kindergarten teacher of the Indianapolis Day Nursery.

Her husband, James, whom she married April 12, 1946, died May 5, 1973.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet Goodin and Katherine Moore; a son, James Goldrick, all of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of Arbors at Auburn Creek Assisted Living for their loving, respectful care of Mrs. Kay.

Kay Goldrick followed a gentle path, loved unconditionally and taught others to do the same.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Cemetery, with the Rev. Charles Prost officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.