Obituary: Gotzian, Jill
Age 53
GOTZIAN, Jill
Of Spokane, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Sacred Heart Hospital with her loving family by her side.
Jill was born January 24, 1959 in Spokane to Joan and Connie Gotzian.
Jill attended Hutton grade school and graduated from Lewis and Clark.
She received her teaching degree from Washington State University and her masters from Gonzaga University.
Known as Miss Gotzian to hundreds of All Saints students and graduates, Jill taught her students not only academics, but, how to be aware of another person’s needs and serve that person.
She was known for her booming voice and the remarkable way she taught her students about accepting differences, working together and striving for excellence in academics as well as daily life.
Jill’s four loves of her life were: her family, her friends, her students and her faith.
She seamlessly wove each part of her life into the fabric of who she was.
While Jill’s Muscular Dystrophy dramatically changed her life, she found ways to overcome barriers in her teaching and, at the same time, forever influence the lives of her students.
She never felt sorry for herself and her generosity of time, loving conversation, and objective wisdom has impacted countless friends and family members.
She is survived by her mother Joan Gotzian; siblings and their spouses: Gail and Gary Weinberg, Jim and Kristi Gotzian, Jan and Rick Nail, Debbi Leslie and John Wood, Hap and Cheryl Gotzian; 13 adored nieces and nephews; one great-nephew and her amazing extended family of devoted friends who made her life so rich.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Aloysius Church, 330 E Boone Avenue, Spokane, Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at 1:00 pm.
Reception following in the Gonzaga Prep student center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution, in memory of Jill Gotzian be made to All Saints Catholic School, 1428 E 33rd Ave, Spokane, WA 99203.