Obituary of Karen Ann Goulden

Karen Ann Zoretic Goulden died suddenly on April 24, 2021 at the age of 58.  Our hearts are broken at this tremendous loss. We are trying to take comfort in our belief that she is at peace for eternity in heaven. 

Karen was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on March 19, 1963.  Karen graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1992, then subsequently joined the Navy where she served as a dentist for 3 years, attending to the Marine Corps at Parris Island, South Carolina where her 2 children were born. She relocated to Dayton, Ohio in 1995 where she continued practicing as a dentist, and eventually opened her own private practice. After spending 23 years in Ohio, in 2018 Karen moved to her dream location, Hilton Head Island, where she worked at a local dental practice and lived near the beach. She truly enjoyed the ocean and took her beloved dogs, Emmy and Lily, down to the water every day for a fun stroll. 

Karen had a number of interests.  Aside from loving her job as a dentist, she was an avid fan of her beloved sports team, the University of Michigan Wolverines.  She was a loyal UM football season ticket holder, traveling to many football games over the years with her family and friends, and always exuberantly cheering for her team... GO BLUE!  She was a strong supporter of the Beagle Freedom Project, and she was active in helping to save the sea turtles of Hilton Head. Karen loved her music from the 80’s and enjoyed a good laugh.  She was vibrant, fearless and charismatic. We will miss her smile and infectious laugh.

Karen is survived by her children, Ryan Joseph and Allison Marie; her parents, Harold Lewis Zoretic and Sheila Ann (Quinn) Zoretic; her brothers, David Patrick (sister in-law Jessie) and Michael Joseph (sister in-law Chilly); aunts and uncles, Shirley Kutchman, Kathleen Seargent and Michael Quinn; nieces and nephews: Quincy, Zoe, Jackson and Matthew and many beloved cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jeffrey D. Goulden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Beagle Freedom Project.

A celebration of Karen's life will take place on Saturday, May 15, at The Island Funeral Home, 4 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head. Visitation will be 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, followed by a memorial service from 12:00 - 12:30 pm. A second memorial service will be held in Dayton, Ohio toward the end of May.