Sylvia (Ridolfi) Motyka was born in Pawtucket, RI on July 30, 1924. After graduating from high school in 1942and marrying her husband Chester in 1948, Sylvia moved to Plymouth with her husband and family in 1963. As a Katharine Gibbs graduate, Sylvia was co-owner in the family’s businesses, New England Aero Service and New England Flight Service; both located at Plymouth Airport. Sylvia received the Plymouth Aero Club “Airman of the Year” award in 1995; the first woman to receive such honor. Sylvia was first and foremost a wife to her husband Chester, mother to her three children, den mother and Girl Scout leader, and a member of both St Peter and St Mary’s parishes. Sylvia enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and family vacations, especially family camping in New England and Canada. In later years, she loved to visit her family and granddaughters in Greece.
Sylvia is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Chester Motyka of Plymouth, a daughter Jan Motyka Sanders and her husband Guy Sanders of Athens, Greece; two granddaughters, Isabel Sanders of Glasgow, Scotland and Elektra Sanders of Falmouth, England. Sylvia is also survived by her daughter Ann Motyka of Plymouth and her partner Debbie Cheney and her son Peter Motyka and his wife Marylou of Plymouth. Sylvia is also survived by her childhood friend and first cousin Electra Gallagher of Minnesota, formerly of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday November 2, from 3-7 at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court Street, Plymouth. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, November 3 at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association, or to the charity of one’s choice in Sylvia’s name.