Catherine “Els” Eliza Maria deGoederen Goldberg

Catherine “Els” Eliza Maria deGoederen Goldberg of Philadelphia passed away in her home on August 14th, 2024 from complications of a stroke.

Els was born in Ambon, Indonesia, part of the Dutch East Indies. She spent her childhood there, among many of nature’s most beautiful and colorful flowers, which would later inspire her art. During World War II her family was imprisoned by Japanese troops, a difficult experience that resonated throughout her life. Miraculously, her immediate family survived, returning to the Netherlands after the war.

As a young woman Els enjoyed many adventures, including mountain climbing, working as an au pair in Paris, and earning a degree in Dutch law at the University of Leiden. Her travels then took her to Israel, where she worked on the kibbutz Ma'ayan Tzvi and met Jerry Goldberg, a young American from Philadelphia. After completing their studies on the kibbutz, Els and Jerry traveled across Europe together on a Vespa scooter, leading to many adventures, memories of which always brought a smile to her face. Els joined Jerry in the United States not long after, and they were married in Philadelphia in 1963.

In addition to raising three daughters, Els pursued many artistic interests. She played the recorder and the cello, ran her own printing business, and created exquisite botanical drawings and “throw” paintings. For many years she volunteered with Vision Thru Art, a sculpture class for visually impaired artists, developing an expertise in repairing works that had cracked in the kiln. She had a special affinity for animals, especially her beloved dog Jane and cat Maya, and a garden overflowing with flowers and greenery. Els frequently traveled back to Holland to spend time with her family and friends and remained deeply proud of her Dutch heritage.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jerry; her three daughters, Liza (Lisa), Jacqueline, and Annette; three sons-in-law, Rich, Wally, and Tony; and nine grandchildren, Brian, Rachel, Robyn, Carly, Jenna, John, Natalie, Anthony, and Alex. She was preceded in death by her sisters Machteld and Marijke and brother Kees.

Charitable donations in her honor can be made to the Vision Thru Art program at the Allens Lane Art Center: https://allenslane.org/support/ways-to-give/