Anne S Goetze

Anne S. Goetze, a beacon of kindness and unwavering support to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 94 in Milton, Massachusetts. Born on July 29, 1931, in Rockville Center, New York, Anne was the cherished daughter of John and Louise Schaefer. Her warmth and wisdom will be sorely missed by her loving family, including her daughter Lisa Goetze and her husband Joe Canavan of Stoughton, her son Andrew Goetze and his wife Mary Porter of Scituate, her brother-in-law John Goetze of Jacksonville, FL, her sister-in-law Pam Schaefer of Philadelphia, PA, and her cousin Charles Schaefer of Carmel, CA and she is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Anne's spirit will also live on through the countless friends who became an integral part of her chosen family.
Anne's formative years were spent in Long Island, New York, where she completed her high school education. Her academic journey led her to Emerson College, where she intended to study the arts. However, her path took a meaningful turn when she discovered a passion for speech pathology. This newfound calling inspired her to earn her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to helping others communicate and connect.
For many years, Anne served as a dedicated speech-language pathologist at the Mass Hospital School in Canton. Her compassionate nature and professional expertise brought light into the lives of children with special needs and their families. Anne's dedication to her community extended beyond her professional realm. She was one of the founding members of the League of Women Voters, an organization that reflected her belief in civic participation and empowerment. Her active involvement in the Massachusetts Teacher's Association demonstrated her commitment to education and advocacy for teachers' rights.
Anne's altruistic spirit also found expression through her work with Easterseals and her volunteer contributions to the Canton food pantry, the Canton animal shelter, and the Canton Public Library. Her teaching career included impactful years at the Canton Public Schools and the Hanson and Kennedy Elementary Schools. Anne's over 60-year residency in Canton was marked by her engagement in local initiatives and her unwavering support for her community.
An avid proponent of the arts, Anne was a long-standing member of the Lyric Theatre, where she indulged her love for performance and music. Her voice was a staple in the choir at the Congregational Church of Canton, where she sang with joy and reverence.
Anne's zest for life was evident in her active lifestyle. She enjoyed walking, swimming, and practicing yoga well into her later years. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel frequently, especially to the cherished shores of Maine and Florida, where she relished in the company of friends and the tranquility of the ocean. Anne's sociable nature made her a beloved figure in her community, always ready to share a story or lend a listening ear. She was an ardent reader, an animal lover, and a friend to all creatures great and small.
Anne S. Goetze lived a life marked by love, service, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her legacy is one of compassion, education, and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions she made to her family, her friends, and the communities she so deeply cherished.
Services will be private for the family.
Donations can be made in Anne's memory to the Animal Rescue League of Boston or to the Memorial Fund at the Congregational Church
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