Edward R. Majka

It is with great sadness, that the family of Edward R. (Ed) Majka, born July 11, 1947, announces his passing on February 2, 2018 at his home with his wife, Marjorie and his sister, Cheryl by his side. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ed moved to Niagara Falls, NY where he attended St. John’s Elementary School, Bishop Duffy High School, graduating in 1969 from Niagara University.  Ed is survived by his wife, partner, and soulmate of 48 years, Marjorie (Casale) Majka, devoted sisters Cheryl Stavins,  Janie Harris (Randall) of Houston, TX, and Jo-Anne Majka (Russell Smith) of Albuquerque, and his lucky #7 rescue Keeshond dog,  Keesee.  He is also survived by In-laws, Joseph Casale and Toddie Casale of Niagara Falls,  NY, Dolores and Ron (aka Brother) Bradley of The Villages, FL, Frank and Betty Casale of Houston, TX,  Donna Casale of Niagara Falls, and “Uncle Tony” Girasole (Betty) of Lewiston and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Also,our wonderful “Framily” (see below), and his many local golf buddies (again, see below), and many dear friends scattered all around the country. We know our past pups, Stosh, Spanky, Alfalfa, Willy, Lacey and Charley have already greeted him at the Rainbow Bridge; what fun that must have been!

Ed and Marjorie were real life High School sweethearts.  Ed attended Catholic elementary, high school and college, while Marjorie was a “public schooler”.  They dated 5 years before they were married, and have been married 48 years.  As a dear friend pointed out, Ed kept Marjorie grounded, and Marjorie was the wind under his wings. Right on!  From when they first met, they grew up together; experienced life together, loved together, made many memories together, worked together, and gathered loving, wonderful friends along the way all across the country, while keeping the friendships they made as kids in their hometown of Niagara Falls, NY as well.   Ed is and will remain a best friend to many.

Ed received a Commission as an Officer in the US Army via ROTC.  Together they moved around the country while in the Army and Corporate moves with Union Carbide Corp., AETC (Advanced Environmental Technology Company), and Waste Management in various executive management positions.  He was an Officer and a Gentleman!  During his career, they lived in nine states and were constant life companions.

After relocating to New Mexico, Ed and Marjorie worked together in Real Estate and eventually planted roots in Placitas.  Ed became involved in community service, and after 7 years in ESCA (Eastern Sandoval Citizen’s Association) was President.  He always felt “you cannot complain if you don’t get actively involved”.  He believes in ESCA and wishes it greatness in all that it does to protect this beautiful corner of New Mexico.

Ed had a great support “Framily” here in NM – Andy and Jerry, Michaeline and Tom (Charles too), Tom and Ro, Mike (Conan) and Susan, Randy and Tess, and Tom and Naomi, all who travelled this journey with him, together.  Ed loved golf and played frequently with Ron, Pat, Les, Tony, Bob, Mel and Chris.  We all just know he has already made that hole in one in heaven.  Wish we all could have seen it!

Through the many months since Ed’s diagnosis, we have had such an outpouring of love, concern and assistance from family –“framily” – friends and neighbors, with your cards, texts, calls, errand running, transportation service, food, visits … I will never be able to thank you all enough for all your support; I hope you all know how much you mean to us both.

This past year has brought many out of state friends whom we have not seen in a very long time here to reminisce with Ed and Marjorie all about their adventures together.  For Ed’s 70th birthday this past July, his entire family came in to celebrate that milestone birthday with him.   Timing was great!  He was well enough then to enjoy their presence and spend time with each of them.  There was a party and activities, all in celebration of Ed.  He loved it!

A quote from Ed – “what a wonderful life with a loving family, so many close friends, Wednesday and Sunday golf buddies, business associates, and being married to your best friend”.

A special thank you goes out to Dr. Wadih Arap, his staff and the Pharmacy employees at UNMCC, Heartland Hospice Care, especially Jill, Dr. Suzanne Pinon, French Westside, and Father Timothy Donovan of Our Lady Queen of Angels church, for their wonderful care, personal concern, expertise, and professionalism, guiding Ed on this journey.  We are thankful to have had them all involved in Ed’s care.

In lieu of flowers, Ed has asked for those who so desire may make a memorial donation in his name to Watermelon Mountain Ranch in Rio Rancho, New Mexico’s Largest No Kill Animal Shelter.   You can donate on line at www.wmranch.org, or by mail: 1512 Deborah Road, Rio Rancho, NM  87124.  PLEASE BE SURE TO INDICATE THIS IS IN MEMORY OF ED MAJKA AND TO NOTIFY HIS FAMILY OF YOUR DONATION.

A  Celebration of Ed’s life will take place Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Our Lady Queen of Angels, The Liberal Catholic Church, located at 1701 Tulip Road (west on Abrazo from Unser Road), Rio Rancho, NM 87124.  There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Church hall.  There will also be a Celebration of Ed’s life in the next couple of months in Niagara Falls, NY.

He truly was a one in a million kind of guy; we’ve lost one of the really good ones.  Rest in peace, Ed, you will forever be loved and greatly missed by your family and by all those whose lives you have touched.

And from me, Thank You Ed, for all my memories of you and all that we have shared together.  You will always be my Knight in Shining Armor.  I will forever love you.   Marjorie

FRENCH – Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd NW

505-897-0300