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Lisa Kay Motin Starke

March 12, 1958 - Dec. 23, 2021

Born March 12, 1958, to June Mack and James Anthony Motin, Lisa Kay Motin lived to sing, dance, laugh and praise the Lord through all of the above. The middle of three children, Lisa ran track and later used her energy and creativity to become a founding member of Xi-Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Washington State University. (Her mother co-authored the national Delta Sigma Theta Sweetheart Song.) After college, she married Darryl Starke and moved with him from Washington to North Carolina and eventually Florida, where they lived in Boca Raton and the Orlando area. She worked as a writer and photographer. After they divorced, Lisa moved back to Seattle, just in time to witness the birth of her nephew. Lisa joined her mother (her sister later joined) as a member of the Seattle Chapter of The Links, Inc. where she served the chapter and community for many years; long enough to achieve alumni status. 

Lisa’s love of children led her to obtain a Master’s in Education, and she spent many years teaching for Seattle Public Schools, primarily Madrona Elementary School, which is right down the street from her beloved Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church. Lisa sang in the church choir, served as a ruling elder and used her skills as a photographer to take pictures of church elders that for years graced the church Commons. 

Surviving Lisa are her sister, Galen Motin Crawford; her niece, Shelby Allegra Goff; nephew Jameson Alan Goff; and a host of cousins in Washington, California, Alaska and New York. Lisa and Galen’s younger brother, James Alan Motin, died in 1979 of sickle cell anemia. Lisa’s mother and father also preceded her in transitioning from this world to the arms of the God. After a long struggle with numerous health issues, may Lisa rest in peace, and may her memory live on in the many individuals whose lives she touched.

A celebration of the life of Lisa Kay Motin Starke will take place on March 12, 2-4 p.m. at Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church. The service will be in-person and available via Zoom. Contact the church for the link.


Comments

Prayers of peace and comfort to the family. Lisa is one of the first friendly faces I met at Madrona Grace and what a sweet, warm, and unforgettable soul who will not be forgotten.

- Danica


 

Dear Galen and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear sweet Lisa. The Seattle LINK Chapter brought us together. All of us …..including your wonderfully talented mother and kind and forever thoughtful and talented Lisa. Her beautiful spirit always lightened up any activity and room! You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace, as Lisa becomes a Rose beyond the wall/this world.

- Anita Johnson Connell;MD


You opened up your classroom for our Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy girls at Madrona School. Many times, you'd stay and help out like a Delta would do! Thank you Soror. Will miss your gentle spirit and kindness.

- Victoria E. Romero


 

I knew and loved Lisa as well. She was all that everyone has said about her, a lovely Christian woman. She was my sorority and Bible Study Fellowship sister. I will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy, love and prayers to the family.

- Charlotte Ruff


Lisa taught two of my kids in Seattle schools. It was a powerful experience for my kids to see a Christian sister serving so lovingly and well in the public arena.
 
Mary Enstad


I will fondly remember my Soror, Link sister, and former colleague at Seattle School District. Lisa was a woman of service to her community. May she rest is power. I pray memories of Lisa bring comfort to her family and friends in the days to come.
 

Judge Faye R Chess


Good night , Dear Sister Lisa, May you sleep on in peace and in love. Lisa and I, were connected in so many ways over the years. We were active in our Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in the Seattle Alumnae Chapter she was in our pre-covid group picture. We also were Sisters in Service for the Greater Seattle Chapter of Links ,Inc, Lisa and her mother June Motin RIH and her sister Galen Motin Goff all served in both of those organizations together at one time. My fondest memory is of LISA teaching my grandson at Madrona Elementary and how encouraging she was when she served in that role. Her principal at that time Link Ernestine Rutledge was also a Delta and a Link Member, so Madrona Elementary was frequently given special attention, thanks to that powerful tag team. When Lisa was diagnosed with her illness she shared her concerns with me as one of her car pool drivers who use to drop her to her condo in Northgate after our Bible Study Fellowship Monday night meetings again pre-covid. We spoke confidently in that conversation about our love of studying the bible and our prayers that we would continue to savor the word and live for Christ. I am confident that LISA kept her promise and now can rest in peace. Winona Hollins Hauge, a friend and sister in Christ.

Winona Hollins Hauge MSW, LICSW, community Sister in service and family friend


My heart is aching. What a lovely summary of her life and the happy memories and happy times. I don't remember a time when I didn't know Lisa, and am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know her better as an adult and Sister Link. Thinking and praying for you Galen, so sorry for your loss.

Juli Farris


I have many fond memories of Lisa. She was a kind, gentle, and creative soul. I served along side her in our Sorority and also in our Links chapter. May she rest in peace as she joins her mother, father and brother.

Sonja Greene Hampton


I will always remember Lisa as my Sister Link. She had a ready smile and as a kind and soft spoken person she could aways be counted on to offer a helping hand. My heart goes out to Galen and Lisa's entire family. Know that I as well as many others are sending you prayers and blessings in this difficult time.

Cherry Banks


I was saddened to hear about Lisa passing. She was always such a positive person and I enjoyed connecting with her at Links meetings. Praying for you Galen. Sending my condolenses.

Gayle Johnson


Rest In Peace my sister! You will be missed! I miss seeing you every Sunday at Madrona Grace Church being so excited to be in service one more time. Enjoying singing in the choir and serving in the church. Sending condolences to your loved ones.

Cynthia Dampier


I first met Lisa back in 2005. She was very kind, caring, and compassionate - making the most of any situation. Her journey in life was paved with faith, hope and resilience. She always saw the glass as half full. With faith leading the way, Lisa remained optimistic and undeterred in her perseverance in supporting and embracing everything that life had to offer.
To Lisa’s family ~ I hope with each new day, you are finding solace in the midst of your loss.

Tonie Talbert


Lisa…one of my favorite people at Orca K-8. She had this sense of joy and made me laugh every time we talked. There was something so special about her that made me feel such a connection with her. I miss her so, but knowing that she is with me by heart … makes me smile. Oh! I feel so grateful that I had spent time with her which filled with thoughtful conversations and mostly JOY.

Phihole


Bye for now, Lisa. I know you are at peace with God, but I sure will miss your beautiful smile and warm presence at MGPC and in the choir. You always stepped up to make the music happen! Condolences to all who knew and loved you.

Carolyn Graye


We are so sorry for your loss, Galen. Lisa was a beautiful spirit who left way too soon. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are sharing in your sorrow.

Kristal and Norma McKinney


My Dear Friend Lisa,

Due to her love and lively spirit of children, that's exactly what brought us together at Central Area Youth Association (CAYA) in Seattle's Central District (CD). Lisa was the director of the summer camp youth program , where I had enrolled my daughters . We clicked immediately! Not only did we click but found we shared the same birthdate (March 12), only one year apart. Our lives reconnected as we both became educators for Seattle Public Schools. I have witnessed to passion for young people in and out of the classroom. Her infectious laugh, smile, and game; game to try new things, is what I most enjoyed about Lisa. I will continue to cherish those memories.

R.I.P. my dear sister.
Brenda (Carr) Nelson


Mercer Islanders have fond memories of the entire Motin Family. We are so sorry for your loss, Galen, yet know the enduring, loving spirit of your family and friends will buoy you up during your grief.

Betsy Dowling & Sue Dowling


Today, is Lisa's birthday (Saturday, March 12, 2022), and her going home Memorial Service. Our dear Lisa had a sweet Spirit that remains in my heart! I still miss our once-a-month Saturday morning calls to catch up with our lives!

I met Lisa in 1984 while we were members of the Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter, The Links, Inc. We were active members for over 30 years until we became Alumna. It was a joy serving our community with Lisa and her ever-pleasant smile. Lisa was loyal and helpful as the Chapter's "Recording Secretary" (2001-2003), during my term as Chapter President.

Lisa was ALWAYS thoughtful and ready to step up, and willing to assist without being asked! Her kindness and friendship were unconditional. I am forever grateful for knowing her.

Dr. Liz A. Reynolds Thomas, Seattle WA USA


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