Marjorie J. Motch

Marjorie Motch has left an indelible mark on the city she so loved and served throughout her entire life. The following list includes just some of Marjorie’s remarkable accomplishments.

National President, Association of Junior Leagues – 1960-1962

National Board President, Girl Scouts of America of the USA – 1972-1975

Chairperson and Founder of the Junior League of Cincinnati’s “Children’s Theater” – 1948-1950

Trustee Emeritus of the University of Cincinnati Foundation, since 1993.

Chairperson and Founder of the Junior League of Cincinnati’s Nursery School for the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center, 1955-1957

President, Board of Directors, United Way of America – 1966-1967

President and Founder, Urban League Guild – 1953-1954

In addition, she has served on numerous boards:

Greater Cincinnati Alzheimer’s Association, UC College of Nursing, Central Clinic, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Cancer Family Care, St. Margaret Hall, Fine Arts Fund, Civic Garden Center, YWCA, and many others.

Marjorie has earned the respect and admiration of people all over the US and beyond. She was honored with the keys to nine cities, recognized by the Royal Family of Denmark, received the highest honor awarded to an adult by the Girl Scouts, was recognized as a “Great Living Cincinnatian” in 1997 by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and a Cincinnati Enquirer “Woman of the Year” in 1994. In 2000, she was presented with the Association of Junior Leagues International Mary Herriman award, their highest honor. Most recently, the University of Cincinnati gave her their highest honor, the William Howard Taft medal.  

Marjorie was cherished and adored by her family, who is committed to honoring her legacy. Marjorie’s family include her two daughters Kathryn (nee Lunken) Summers and Margo (nee Lunken) Yesner who live in Santa Monica, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively. Marjorie had five grandchildren: Layla Summers, Anton Summers, Mo Summers, Nathaniel Yesner, and Adam Yesner. She was blessed with four great grandchildren: Maria Joy Yesner, Jonah Aaron Yesner, Enzo James LaPietra, and Gia Rose LaPietra. In addition, she was fortunate to have many wonderful stepchildren and step-grandchildren. Marjorie made everyone in her large family feel very loved.

Marjorie will be very greatly missed.

Services will take place at the Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 10:00, and the funeral service at 11:00. A reception will follow at the Cincinnati Country Club.