Kathy Ruiz-Goldenkranz

Friends and family will gather on Tuesday in Aptos to say farewell to a devoted leader, wife, mother, and friend, Kathy Ruiz-Goldenkranz, who passed away peacefully at Dominican Hospital with her beloved family at her bedside. Born in Fresno, California, Kathy grew up in Santa Clara County and moved to Santa Cruz in 1986 with her husband Andrew. She had a long career that spanned over 40 years in public administration and advocacy for justice. Kathy was dedicated to many organizations, serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz, Temple Beth El, and Dientes. In San Jose, she served on the city Youth and Parks and Rec Commissions. Dedicated to justice, she was a founding leader of Out in Our Faith, COPA, local and state Democratic Party committees, as well as other vehicles for justice for young people. Most recently, she was a member of the national Commission on Social Action of the Union for Reform Judaism, where her work with Out in Our Faith received the highest national honors. She raised her family and her community together, trying her hardest to shape the world into a more moral, functioning entity capable of sustaining life and happiness. Her great gift was teaching that change is possible and worth fighting for. Her relentless energy and drive were powerful forces of nature. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Andrew Goldenkranz, her children Suzy and Max (Chelsea); sisters, Jeanne Ruiz and Cynthia Harding; brothers, Dominic and Donald Ruiz, and John and Ralph Chapa; parents Gene and Vera Ruiz; along with a large host of loving cousins and extended family. The memorial ceremony is planned for Tuesday, September 20th at Temple Beth El Jewish Community Center (3055 Porter Gulch Rd.) in Aptos, beginning at 4 p.m. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Home of Peace Jewish Cemetery in Santa Cruz. Any kind acts of charity may be made in her memory to the Temple Beth El Endowment, or to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz.