Kathleen “Kaye” Joan Goggins

Kathleen “Kaye” Joan Goggins (formerly Buchholz) passed away on the morning of July 27, 2026. She was the wife of Brian Goggins for 19 years and the proud mother of Bree (18) and Grace (16), who were the center of her life.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Jude Buchholz and Anita “Joan” Buchholz; her sister, Stephanie Joan Buchholz; her parents-in-law, Daniel Michael and Darlene Goggins; and her beloved pets, including Boo, Precious, Buttons, and many other cherished companions who were part of her family over the years.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; daughters, Bree and Grace; siblings Jeffrey Donald Buchholz (Rose), Curtis Donald Buchholz (Cyndi), Christine Joan Maloney (Rick), Michelle Joan Sirles (Wayne), and Theresa “Tracy” Joan Buchholz; brothers- and sisters-in-law Mary (Jeff Noel) Goggins, Michael Goggins, and Catherine (Michael) Barry; and her nieces and nephews Hilary Kosek (Jeremy), Donald Jerome “DJ” Buchholz (Megan), Margaret “Maggie” Maloney, Audrey Burklund (Austin), Anthony Buchholz (Riley), Elizabeth Smith (David), Matthew Buchholz, Anna Buhr (Luke), Danielle Barry, Shannon Barry, Timothy Barry, Conor Noel, and Caitlin Noel. She is also survived by her great-nephew, Otto Joseph Buhr, was eagerly anticipating the arrival of Baby Smith, and leaves behind her beloved pets Tim, Ralph, Blizzard, Charlotte, and Waddles.

A graduate of Lindenwood University, Kaye began her college studies in Early Childhood Education and later taught preschool, reflecting a lifelong love of children. Before dedicating herself fully to motherhood, she worked in sales, where her outgoing personality and ability to connect with others served her well. Years later, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit through ventures including The Glass Sipper and O'Kaye, Let's Talk, a life and health coaching business.

Kaye chose to dedicate her life to motherhood and raising Bree and Grace. From daily trips to Cowhorse Park and the mission to visit all 250 “cakes,” to spring flower planting every Mother’s Day, she was always planning the next adventure. She also made travel a priority, encouraging annual birthday trips and family vacations that became treasured traditions. Through those experiences, she passed along a love of travel and exploring new places to her daughters. More than anything, she enjoyed being their mom and being involved in every stage of their lives.

Kaye loved children and animals and always seemed to have room in her life for both. Her pets were family, and over the years she cared for many animals who became part of countless family memories.

Like her mother Joan, Kaye enjoyed hosting. Many family holidays, birthdays, and gatherings took place at her home. She was not concerned with formality. Her focus was making sure there was plenty of food, plenty of conversation, and room for everyone to stay awhile. Family and friends knew that if Kaye was hosting, no one would leave hungry.

Kaye was also the family’s unofficial communications director. She initiated birthday email chains for siblings, nieces, nephews, and spouses, and somehow always knew who was traveling, celebrating a milestone, starting a new job, or welcoming a new baby. She made it her business to stay connected and keep everyone else connected as well, often sharing family updates, stories, and vacation photos across generations and branches of the family.

As her mother Joan often said, “Kaye is Kaye.” She was direct, authentic, opinionated, and completely comfortable being herself. She liked things done a certain way and rarely apologized for it. Kaye liked to be in control—whether it was holding onto the hotel room key, organizing family plans, or insisting on being the driver. If there was a car involved, chances were Kaye was behind the wheel. Family members teased her about it for years, but it would not have seemed right any other way.

Kaye had a competitive streak from an early age. She loved softball in elementary and junior high school, mastering the windmill pitch. Later in life she joined a bowling league and eventually became passionate about pickleball. The hobby became serious enough that she convinced Brian to put a pickleball court in the driveway. Through sports and everyday life, she made friends easily. Whether at the pickleball courts, in a store, or at a restaurant, Kaye was always likely to leave having met someone new.

Those who knew Kaye understood that life operated on Kaye’s timeline. You could not rush her through a store, a restaurant, a conversation, a family gathering, or a drive across town. She moved at her own pace and saw no reason to do otherwise.

In the end, perhaps the simplest description remains the most accurate. As Joan always said, “Kaye is Kaye.” She was herself at all times—real, authentic, opinionated, competitive, and unforgettable. There was never anyone quite like her, and there never will be.

To know Kaye was to know exactly who she was.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, at Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, Missouri.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, at Saint Monica Catholic Church, 12136 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, Missouri, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.

Family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Kaye's life at a luncheon beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. at Bellerive Country Club, 12925 Ladue Road, Town and Country, Missouri.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com