Jean Anna Gothie

Jean Anna Gothie, 83, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. Her life was a witness to a deep trust in God, selfless love, and steadfast devotion to family, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born November 9, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Augustine and Mary Grace (nee Iavarone) Spadaro. Jean was the beloved wife of Joseph Gothie, Sr., who pre-deceased her, and was the loving mother of Monica Tornetta (Frank), Michelle Ingham (Kevin), and Joseph Gothie, Jr. (Vicky); adoring grandmother of Kelly, Tripp, Abbey, Audrey, Avery, Wesley, and Evan; and dear sister of Rosalie Olivo, Richard Spadaro (Maureen), Robert Spadaro, and Michael Spadaro (Linda).

Jean graduated in the class of 1961 from Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Delaware County. While attending high school, she met the love of her life, Joe, and was married at St. Joseph Church in Collingdale, PA in December 1963, starting a beautiful and loving marriage that would span over 60 years.

Jean worked as a secretary at the General Electric Missile & Space Vehicle Department in Valley Forge before setting off on her adventure as a U.S. Air Force wife, taking her to Waco, TX, Mobile, AL, and Cocoa Beach, FL, along the way continuing her pattern of making lifelong friends that started at St. Joseph grammar school.

Jean settled her family in East Goshen Township and quickly immersed herself in the Saints Simon and Jude Parish community, serving on the Parish Pastoral Council and welcoming committee, helping the PREP students, and joining numerous other ministries. Together with her dear husband Joe, they created a loving home and faith-filled foundation for their three children and provided the gathering place for countless happy memories with family, friends and future friends. No one was a stranger to Jean.

She worked in the financial aid office at Immaculata College then flourished as a realtor by providing her sharp insight and expertise gained through the many friendships formed in the real estate industry. She worked the polls on election days and was a dedicated and tireless volunteer helping to stage the annual Art Show at Immaculata and Malvern Retreat House, working the Peach Booth at the Goshen Country Fair, and facilitating Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, just to name a few. Jean formed a de facto book club around family, friends and work colleagues who shared her love of reading. She greatly enjoyed summertime trips to the Jersey shore and quiet evenings on her deck watching the sunset while catching up with her neighbors.

She took special joy in sharing stories of her life experiences and the family history with her grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She cherished all the birthday parties, sporting events, sacraments and graduations of her grandchildren who would always receive a warm hug and kiss from their Nana.

Jean found strength through her devotion to daily prayer and the Holy Rosary. She continually prayed for the health and safety of family, friends or anyone in need before the family dinner at home and together virtually with her fellow prayer warriors leading her customary third decade each day. Her travels later in life to Europe were sure to include visits to churches, basilicas and holy shrines where she marveled at the beauty of her Catholic faith.

Jean’s warmth and kindness towards others shined brightly her entire life and never diminished during times of adversity. Through her unwavering faith, she handled all of life’s challenges with dignity, gratitude and humility, finding joy each day with others by offering a smile.

We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our angels on earth at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill Memory Care and All Ways Caring who lovingly cared for Jean like she was their family. It was truly inspiring to witness your dedication to our Mom.

We are thankful to God for Jean's life and for her model of love and devotion to her family and friends. We prayerfully hope for Jean and Joe to be together again in heaven forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. A private interment service will follow at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the Alzheimer's Association®.