Sister Julia Golkoski

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
-1 Corinthians 13:13

Sister Julia Golkoski, 88, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 70 years, died on July 3, 2024. Doris Ann Golkoski, the eldest child of John William and Julia (née Stimec) Golkoski, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. She entered the novitiate on August 20, 1953, and took the name Sister Mary Julia when she received her habit. She later used the name Sister Julia.

Called to a vocation early in life, five-year-old Doris came home from kindergarten when she was told that she could not become a priest as a girl. Inspired by her eighth-grade teacher at Holy Family School, Sister Mary Imelda, O.S.F., she began considering a vocation as a Sister.

While attending Bishop Ward High School she became acquainted with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who taught there. She entered the novitiate and attended Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Following her initial two years in the novitiate and college, Sister Julia embarked on a diverse ministry in education. She served as a teacher and principal in schools across Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary College and then earned a master’s from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She also pursued further studies at Boston College and the University of San Francisco.

Sister Julia taught reading and, later, computers. While at Saint Monica’s School in Kansas City, Missouri, she coordinated the IBM Mentor Place project for her students. Middle-school students were paired with IBM mentors who collaborated on several projects. Toward the end of the mentorship, the students and adults met in person.

Sister Julia retired in 2005 but it did not mark the end of her service, as she continued to volunteer at the SCL Mother House in Leavenworth. She worked with the transportation department, organizing schedules and driving Sisters to Kansas City and Leavenworth appointments. Sister Julia was especially close to the transportation employees and loved her work with them.

Sister Julia cherished her Polish and Slovenian roots. As a Kansas City, Kansas native, she was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Throughout her lifetime, Sister Julia loved to fish and, in her midlife, took up golfing.

Sister Julia will be remembered for her ebullient personality, kindness, and warm smile. She loved her family deeply and was an aunt and “second grandmother” to her nieces and nephews.

Sister Julia is preceded in death by her parents and great-nephew Jay Sarson. She is survived by her sister Rosalie Rastorfer and former brother-in-law Bob Rastorfer; nieces Laura Howard, Julie Sarson, and Noel (Tim) Kearns; nephews Kirk, Peter (Ellen), and Robert (Ann) Rastorfer; 13 great-nieces and nephews; three great-grandnieces and nephews; and the SCL Community.

There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.

Click here to view a short video honoring the life of Sister Julia.