Karla Jean Masterson Goodman, 72, of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, due to complications of multiple sclerosis. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.
Karla was born on March 11, 1953, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the daughter of parents William and Phyllis (Chamberlain) Masterson. She grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, graduated from Whitewater High School, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Karla found great enjoyment working at the Delafield Public Library among the books she loved. She moved to Maryland later in life to be with her son Mike and his family.
A true cat lover verging on crazy cat lady, Karla raised and loved many felines. She was well known for the cat sweaters and pins she wore, as well as the many cat pictures and figurines decorating her living spaces. Karla also loved games, puzzles, TV game shows, going to the movies, Coca-Cola, the color purple, and chocolate. She adored music and spent decades singing alto in various choirs and playing the piano, clarinet, and handbells, especially at Delafield Presbyterian Church.
Karla was a follower of Jesus and a member of Woods Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD, where she sang in the choir for years. Karla was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority, which she joined at UW-Whitewater. She cultivated lifelong friendships from her chapter and they had regular get-togethers until Karla moved away from Wisconsin. She was also a member of P.E.O. International and remained close with the organization until her death.
Remaining to cherish Karla’s memory are sons Michael (Jessica) Goodman and Brian (Ashley) Goodman, grandchildren Ella Ruth Goodman and Ziggy Goodman, and brothers Kim Masterson and Bruce Masterson, along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandson Theodore Goodman, parents, and sisters- in-law Pam Schmit-Masterson and Debbie Masterson.
A celebration of Karla’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, with Pastor Martinelli officiating. The service will be followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery. We will then share memories of Karla over Gus’ pizza, Coca-Cola, and chocolate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karla’s name can be made to Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) under the Ways to Give and Tributes tabs.
Online condolences may be shared at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI.
