Edith Motika

Edith Motika, 103, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, in Los Angeles, where she lived in a care facility near her son, Richard. Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2017, Edith lived in Colorado for 69 years. 

Edith was born in Gorizia, Italy, in 1920, while her parents were enroute from Slovenia to Ellis Island and then to Cleveland, Ohio, where Edith lived until 1943.  That year, she married Robert Motika, whom she had known since the second grade.  Moving to Colorado in 1948, they raised four children, centering family life on their deep Catholic faith. Bob and Edith were perfect soulmates, married for 71 years, until Bob’s death in 2014.  

Edith, with Bob, was a Junior Great Books leader, associated with Denver’s Christ the King Grade School.  An avid reader, Edith helped instill in these children – and her own -- a love of literature and learning. 

As Bob’s career advanced at Mountain Bell, Edith was the consummate entertainer and gracious host.   She would say, “People just want someone to listen to them.” Over the years, many friends and family members coveted Edith’s special dinners and homemade cookies.  

Edith was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization for women.  

Edith is survived by her children, Richard Motika, Thomas Motika, Kathleen Motika and Susan Motika; her grandchildren, Stephen Motika, Caren Motika, Thomas Cauchi, Jim Motika and Tim Motika; her in-laws, Jerrie Whitfield (Richard), Paddy Correia (Kathleen) and Dick Cauchi (Susan); and her nieces, Joan Smyth, Maria Babudar and Sharon Basic.

Rosary will be recited Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7pm. Prayer Service will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 10am. All to be held at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. Burial will be at 1:30 pm, Staging Area A Fort Logan National Cemetery that same day. 

Family suggests any donations be made Samaritan House.   https://ccdenver.org/donate/#giveonce