Elizabeth "Betty" Van Goethem

It is with immense sadness to announce the passing of Elizabeth "Betty" Van Goethem, age 76 of Sterling Heights, Michigan. Betty was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 after complications of pancreatic cancer.

Betty was a shining light in the lives of the family, extended family, coworkers, and many friends that knew her. She was born on August 19, 1948 to Joseph and Mary Pruzinsky in Detroit, Michigan, the fourth born of their five children. Betty married her husband Donald Van Goethem on July 31, 1976 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Detroit. While Betty did not have children of her own, she was a significant person in the lives of her many nieces, nephews, and countless other extended family members and friends. She was always ready to share a laugh, lend a helping hand, or offer a listening ear. Betty was there to support the people she loved at their happy moments like weddings and graduations, and in all their times of need as well. Betty will be fondly and equally remembered for both her infectious laugh and her never ending support. She was both the life of every party, and the person who organized it. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, and strongest coach. With her energy and enthusiasm for life, Betty could do all things; and she never forgot a birthday or anniversary. Her heart simply had more room inside it, and more love in it.

Betty was a staple of the law school community at Wayne State University for 45 years, starting as a clerk and ultimately serving as the registrar by the time of her retirement in 2011. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Donald in 2009, her brother Joseph in 2017, and her sister Geraldine in 2024. She is survived by her sister Marilyn Kubat and her brother William Pruzinsky (Jean), as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A visitation for Betty will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 from 4-8 PM, with a rosary service at 7 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. An in-state gathering will follow on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:30 AM until time of a funeral mass at 11 AM at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to Capuchin Kitchen.