Judy Goetz

Judy Herrling Goetz

June 30, 1946 – March 20, 2023

Judy Herrling Goetz, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Clarendale at Bellevue Place. Judy was born in Towson, Maryland to the late August and Elizabeth Herrling on June 30, 1946 and was raised in Towson at 111 Willow Avenue.  She attended Towson Catholic High School where she was active in the Glee Club and where she met her husband of 55 years, Jack, graduating in 1964. Following high school, she enrolled at Towson University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1968. It was that same year that she and Jack wed at the Immaculate Conception Church in Towson.  She taught kindergarten for many years, eventually embarking on a second career as a corporate sales trainer for both the American Red Cross of Central Maryland and the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland. Jack and Judy lived most of their lives in Harford County, Maryland but relocated to Ashland City, Tennessee in 2006 to be nearer to their daughters, Stephanie and Shannon.  Always passionate about reading and education, she finished out her career working as a children’s librarian at the downtown branch of the Nashville Public Library until her retirement. After retirement, she enjoyed spending her free time at the Bellevue YMCA and tutoring reading and language arts to elementary school students in Nashville.

Judy was spiritual, an optimist and always the life of the party. Once you met Judy, you never forgot her. She loved the ocean, American Idol, the Baltimore Orioles, steamed crabs with lots of Old Bay, reading and spending time with her family. Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July. She loved fireworks and attending the Bel Air 4th of July Parade while living in Maryland. A lover of music, she enjoyed listening to the Mamas and the Papas, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, ABBA, the Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison. She shared her love of gardening, baking and crafts with her grandchildren, Caroline, Conner and Bailey.  She was a member of the Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She touched more lives than she ever knew with her dynamic personality and infectious laugh.

Judy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack, daughters Stephanie (Matt) Covington of Kingston Springs, Tennessee and Shannon (Nathan) Vick of Ashland City, Tennessee and grandchildren Caroline Colvin, Conner Vick and Bailey Vick. In addition to her parents, Judy is preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Novotny. And she is survived by her beloved dog, Trudy, lovingly cared for now by her daughter and son in law.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 1pm until 4pm at West Harpeth Funeral Home located at 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Judy’s remains will be spread off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland where she spent so many happy summers with those she loved the most.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Judy's honor.