Kathryn E. Gotshall

Kathryn E. "Kathy" Gotshall, age 67, was called into her eternal reward on Christmas evening, Friday, December 25, 2020 at her home after a grace-filled and courageous battle with ALS for three years. For sure, she was received into heaven with the greeting of angels, saying, “Well done Good and Faithful servant”. A woman of deep faith, with a deep passion and commitment to Catholic education and all the people who crossed her path for a reason, season or lifetime, Kathy has resided in Palm Bay Florida for over 42 years and her death will leave a large void for the community.

Born in Oakland, California on September 14 1953, Kathy was the oldest child of Robert and Catherine Lightcap. She travelled the country as she was the daughter of a Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. She was a 1970 graduate of Great Mills High School in Maryland excelling in her studies as Salutatorian of her class. She met her future husband Robert Clark Gotshall in high school. Kathy and Bob married on March 23, 1973 and moved to Pensacola where Bob was stationed for the Navy. She continued her studies in Biology and other sciences receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from University of West Florida in 1975. In January 1977, they were blest with the birth of their only child, Jennifer. Kathy was a homebound teacher part time, serving special needs of students confined to home for some reason of illness, while caring for Jenni. After his discharge from the Navy, Bob and Kathy chose to move to Palm Bay in 1978 when Bob began his career at Harris.

Kathy continued her education career in Brevard County employed by Melbourne Central Catholic {MCC} in August 1979. She served as a science teacher for many years, sharing her passion and love of all Sciences for many years, while serving as the State representative to the Junior Academy of Science for many years. Kathy took a science research program for coaching students through science fairs from the entry building level to the level of local, national and international level competitions with outstanding projects and multiple winners.

During her personal time, she continued to pursue her Graduate studies in multiple science fields, securing many Science certifications. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for many years for Jenni’ troop, receiving awards for life-time achievement and participation as a Girl Scout herself, and as an Adult Troop and Unit Leader. In 1990, she received her Master’s degree in Biology from Florida Institute of Technology, and continued on to receive her EdS (Educational Specialist) degree in 1999 in Educational Administration. She then moved to the Administration team as Assistant Principal in 2003, after serving as Technology Specialist for the school, developing the school large technology network and infrastructure for several years. While she was Assistant Principal, Kathy became interested in the plight of poorer countries and became an adult leader and would lead volunteer trips to Jamaica with students, parents and community leaders. She retired as Principal at Melbourne Central Catholic High School in 2011. Kathy has resided in Palm Bay Florida for over 42 years. Both Bob and Kathy’s families served in the military, moved often from duty station to duty station to serve their country. This gave both Kathy and Bob their deep love of travelling. It was their lifelong dream and plan to travel the world together in retirement. They accomplished their lifelong dream before the onset of the ALS. Even with the diagnosis, they were able to complete several more trips with their life long zest for life, perseverance and love for each other!

Kathy is survived by her compassionate, and loving spouse Bob, her loving daughter Jenni (Steve), her 2 amazing grandsons, Alex and Zack. She has three remaining brothers: Robert (Robert) of Palm Bay, Michael (Terry) of Arcadia, and Richard Lightcap of Jacksonville. She has 4 sisters in law, 4 brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews and many friends around the country. She was pre-deceased by her younger sister, Terry Ann and her parents, Robert and Catherine Lightcap.

A Family Visitation will be held at Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home on December 30 from 6 PM – 8 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. A Celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on December 31st at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Fountainhead Memorial Cemetery in Palm Bay Florida. Father Matthew Mello, former pastor at MCC, will preside at all services.

COVID CDC guidelines will be strictly adhered to during all service and gatherings. Please wear a mask. After all, Kathryn E. Gotshall believed in science and its’ methods. There are MANY students who loved her classes, her passion for learning and science, her keen sense of humor, her laugh and wanted to follow in her footsteps as a teacher, particular in the science field. She groomed many of the scientific community as doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and military service who now serve all over the country.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations and memorials may be sent to:

Melbourne Central Catholic High School

150 Florida Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901

for use in their Scholarship Fund

Follow the link below to see the video eulogy by Mr. Mancini:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19aOHxvWwjyvvypxo1-iEaNIHSf-RKH3R/view?usp=sharing

Please follow the link to Facebook to view archived live feed of her funeral mass:

https://www.facebook.com/101870534811911/videos/685054678827712

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Gotshall family.