Dolores Ann (Goyda) Reis, but known to all as “Do” ever since her younger sister started calling her Do because her full name was too difficult for the toddler to pronounce, died peacefully March 27, 2023 at the age of 91.
Do was the first of three children born to Michael and Ann Goyda, in St. Louis, Missouri. She lived her entire life in the St. Louis area, graduating from Cleveland High School, marrying the love of her life William “Bill” Reis, then together raising their family.
Do was a devout Catholic. Much of her service to others revolved around Holy Redeemer School and Parish, including, but very much not limited, to room mother, serving meals at Sts. Peter and Paul, organizing several Martha and Mary Society teams, and serving as Eucharistic Minister. As a resident of Our Lady of Life Independent Living Apartments in recent years, Do thought it an honor to be entrusted to handle the Mass intentions.
Friendships were cherished by Do, but good friends knew not to wait for casual conversation. Organizing the tables and food for park picnics, delivering an entire tray of home-baked Christmas cookies right to your door, or offering to watch your children or bringing a homemade dinner for your family to your home during a time of need was much more Do’s style. Two especially endearing groups of friends have been “The Chics” and the Christian Family Movement (CFM) small group. Family, however, held the biggest place in Do’s heart.
Do is survived by her sister Barbara (David) Brigham; sisters-in-law Nancy Goyda and Marie Reis; children Carolyn Woods, Patricia (Scott) Hackett, Jeff (Leslie), John, and Janice (Craig) Smith; grandchildren Justin, Stephanie (Jon), Emerson, Samuel, Gabrielle, Stephen (Jocelyne), Benjamin, David, Daniel, Peter, Cydney, Christopher, Mary Michaela, and Andrew; great grandchildren Harper and Leo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Do was preceded in death by her husband William Reis, brother Michael Goyda, brother-in-law Richard Reis, and son-in-law Jack Woods.
A visitation will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 4-7PM at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123. Funeral mass will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10AM at Holy Redeemer Church, 17 Joy Avenue (facing East Lockwood), Webster Groves, MO 63119. Internment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts of remembrance, please consider a donation to Pathways to Independence, a program committed to developing social, interpersonal, and communication skills in individuals with cognitive disabilities:
Ptistl.org
Or
Pathways to Independence
11457 Olde Cabin Road, Suite 235
St. Louis, MO 63141
What a lovely, lovely lady. So many will miss her.
Love & Prayers,
Jim & Gracemarie Miller
Wonderful life Do. I grew up with your children, Jeff and Tricia, and I knew they were raised in a caring and loving home. My thoughts are with my friends who loved you back and miss you now.
Dear Mrs. Reis,
Thank you so much for all you added to my childhood. Overnights, wavo in the driveway, and endless games in the neighborhood. Thank you for the home you made and your wonderful children. I could not have made it in this world without Tricia. May you rest in peace.
Nana Do we called her! What a truly loving woman (and fist cousin of mine) who understood life and truly loved everyone.
Sadly, we will not be able to make it into St. Louis for the funeral, but know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. I especially fondly remember you Carolyn, Trish, Jeff and John yet never really met Janice. When Alberto and I and Maria (as an infant) and later Adriana stayed with your mom, we cherished the memories of the Goyda family she shared about life and when Uncle Joe and Aunt Catherine dated and married. She was so proud of each of you and your children and valued the uniqueness of each. God bless you!
Love and prayers, Marla (Chura), Alberto, Maria and Adriana
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss if your Mother, my Aunt Do! She was always an amazing lady, happy to serve a meal, a nice cup of coffee or some great pie or cake. After Thanksgiving meals, we would all take a walk & help with drying dishes and “cleaning up”! Live & prayers always, Connie Jean Goyda
Tricia,
It has been quite awhile since Holy Redeemer school days. I remember your Mom from school events and different occasions since then. She was a genuinely kind person. Sending condolences and kindest regards to you and your family at the loss of your Mother.