Goepfert

Amber Kathleen “Kathy” Goepfert, 77, of Butler, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

She was born Nov. 5, 1947, to Francis Ecret and Harvene (McAuley) Shankle in Salem, N.J. Amber was raised in Cowansville, Pa., by her mother, Harvene, and her loving stepfather, Arnold J. McAuley.

After graduating from Kittanning High School in 1965, Amber went on to attend Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Altoona, graduating and attaining her registered nurse diploma in 1968. She began a long and rewarding career as an exceptionally dedicated, compassionate and skilled nurse who always treated her patients like they were family. She was honored as the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Supervisor of the Year in 2004. A perfect illustration of her leadership and depth of nursing knowledge, the saying by her VA colleagues was “when in doubt, ask Amber.” She retired from the VAMC in 2005 after 20 years of service.

Amber was a true history buff. She was the caretaker of the family genealogy and was fascinated with studying various aspects of local, regional, American and world history. One of her favorite topics was the Battle of Gettysburg, and she made numerous trips to tour the town and battlefields, eventually becoming something of an expert in the history of the Civil War battle.

Amber was always up for any kind of adventure. She most enjoyed making plans to go on family vacations, to the movies, restaurants, quaint coffee shops, exploring local culture, and spending time with her family and friends as much as possible. She was a Beatlemaniac from the first chords of “Please Please Me,” sharing her love and passion for the Beatles with her children and grandchildren.

Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, and she always started planning and shopping early for her family and friends. She cherished having stockings for each family member. She also enjoyed making dozens of Christmas cookies and treats to share. This Christmas, she had her blue tree lit early.

Amber maintained an undeniable energy, thirst for life and razor-sharp wit that belied the numbers on her birth certificate. She will be remembered most for her brilliant smile and the love she had for her family and friends with her whole heart.

Amber leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughters, Wendy (Roger) Welsh of Butler and Renee (Matt) Getner of Irvine, Pa.; her brothers, Arnie (Neva) McAuley of Moon Township, Pa., Scott (Janice) McAuley of North East, Pa. and Dan (Debra) McAuley of North Huntington, Pa; her five beloved grandchildren, Madelyn and Colin Welsh and Ella, Julia and Zane Getner; her nieces, Kristen (John) Nalewajek and Jenny (Sam) McAuley; and so many other family members and friends.

GOEPFERT — In keeping with her wishes, no public visitation or burial services will be held for Amber Kathleen “Kathy” Goepfert, who died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. A private service was held for the immediate family.

Arrangements were entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.