Obituary of Evelyn Motyka

Evelyn Motyka (nee Kolinek), age 96, of Shorewood, IL formerly of Burr Ridge, IL, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 1, 2024 at her daughter’s home in Plainfield, IL.  She was born June 15, 1927 in Berwyn, IL the daughter of the late John and Stephanie (nee Novosad) Kolinek.

Evelyn was the beloved wife of the late Albert R. Motyka, who passed away in 2002.  She is the loving mother of Richard B., Robert J. (Julie), Mark M. and Lauren A. (Michael) Kalensky; dear grandma of  Amy (Karl) Heine, Cindy Motyka and Peter Motyka; adoring great-grandma of Sean Heine; fond sister of the late Sylvia Kolinek and  the late John (Jeanette) Kolinek, Jr.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Evelyn was deaf since birth and attended Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, graduating in 1946.  She raised her family in Chicago and worked for the US Postal Service as a Distribution Clerk. 
 
Evelyn was a champion ballroom dancer with her husband, Albert at the Lorraine Gray Dance Studio.  She admired Ginger Rogers and had the opportunity to meet her.  Also a longtime member of the South Metro Chicago Chapter- The Illinois Association of the Deaf, where they would perform at benefit fundraisers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice and Palliative Care, 250 Water Stone Cir., Joliet, IL 60431.

Visitation for Evelyn Motyka will be Thursday, March 7, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL.  Funeral Services will be Thursday, 10:00 a.m., from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, Shorewood, IL, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL.

 For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.