Marika Woltil Starrett

With profound sadness, we share the passing of Marika Woltil Starrett, on January 17, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Marika was born on June 18, 1979, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Richard and Tina Woltil. She grew up in Apple Valley, California, where she swam competitively on the local swim team and was determined to own an American Girl doll-an early sign of her strong will and passion for the things she loved.

She moved to Northern California for college, but her studies were cut short when complications from her "brittle" Type 1 diabetes led to early-onset gastroparesis. From that point on, managing her health became her full-time job, one she handled with incredible resilience and strength. No matter how many hospital stays or setbacks she faced, Marika always rallied, wanting to return to traveling and spending time with the people she loved.

When diabetes led to kidney failure, she was blessed with the gift of life through a kidney transplant from a living donor. We are forever grateful to Kelly Lavengood-Schenkel for this extraordinary gift. Later, Marika was also fortunate to receive a pancreas transplant. These life-changing transplants allowed Marika to continue embracing the people and experiences that brought her joy.

Marika met Will at the wedding of, her cousin and Will's friend, Marc Teitsma. From that moment, it was love at first sight-undeniable and full of joy. Will was not only Marika's true love and partner but also a cherished part of our family. Together, Marika and Will built a life filled with love and adventure, first in Apple Valley, and Temecula, California, and now in Albuquerque New Mexico. Before moving to Albuquerque, Marika was the office manager at Chris Bergen Architect Firm in Apple Valley and served on the board of directors for the Temecula Public Library. Their home in Albuquerque is made warmer by their beloved dogs, Moxie and Birdie.

Marika will be remembered for her sharp wit, intelligence, impeccable fashion sense, and fierce love for her family and friends. She lit up every room she entered. "Tante Rika" was adored by her nieces and nephews and the children of her closest friends showering them with endless love, laughter, and support. She found joy in long desert walks with Moxie and Birdie, traveling to visit friends and family, and exploring National Parks with Will.

Marika is survived by her husband, Will Starrett; her mother, Tina Woltil; her sister and brother-in-law, Janna & Jared Tolla; and their children Anneke, Calista, and Ryker Tolla; and her brother and sister-in-law Derek & Julie Woltil, and their children Adelaide, Lucas, Jacob and Gabrielle Woltil. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Richard Woltil, and sister Lauren Woltil.

To honor Marika's life and the many people she loved, two memorial services will be held-one in Davis, California, and one in Carmel, Indiana. Please attend the one that is more convenient for you. Details of the memorial service will be shared below, but please note that Marika's wish was for guests to wear formal attire in any color (no jeans!).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation) https://www.breakthrought1d.org/, the National Park Foundation https://www.nationalparks.org/ , and Donate Life https://donatelife.net/ We also encourage you to register with the National Donate Life Registry https://registerme.org/. Marika benefited greatly from the generosity of organ donors. We hope others will have more time with their loved ones through the gift of organ donation. 

We are heartbroken by this loss. Marika's light was bright, and the world is dimmer without her in it.

Please attend the service that is most convenient for you.

It was Marika's wish was for guests to wear formal attire in any color (no jeans!).