The Goizueta Family
The Goizueta Family
1934 – 2015
Olga Casteleiro de Goizueta, known as Olguita to her family and closest friends, was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1934. As a teenager, she met the love of her life, Roberto C. Goizueta, and the two married in June 1953. Seven years later, following Fidel Castro’s rise to power, Roberto, Olga, and their three children fled to the United States. They first settled in Miami and lived in Nassau, Bahamas, before adopting Atlanta as their new hometown. The couple had a fourth child in the U.S. in 1966, but tragically, Carlos Alberto passed away of leukemia in 1970.
A devoted wife and mother, Olga raised her children with love, grace and humor and steadfastly supported her husband. As Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Roberto Goizueta frequently traveled internationally on business, often with Olga by his side. In leadership positions of her own, Olga advanced the missions of the Atlanta History Center, the Latin American Association, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art, among others. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Emory University, was a faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta and supporter of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia.
Following the unexpected passing of her husband, Olga stepped up as Trustee and Chair of The Goizueta Foundation, carrying on Roberto’s legacy. In this role and her other community service positions, Olga became well-known for her intelligence, generosity, and quick wit. She influenced those around her for the better with her wisdom, affection, insight and unwavering faith. Her own legacy lives on through the family foundation, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.
Muhtar Kent | Former CEO, The Coca-Cola Company
Olga and Roberto C. Goizueta instilled in their children a sense of purpose and generosity that has been a guiding force in each of their lives. The Goizueta Foundation is led by their immediate family, with their children and grandchildren stewarding their legacy of service and philanthropy.