Dr. Joanne Marie (Motyka) Gordon, 84, resident of Salt Lake City since 2017, died on January 28, 2026. Joanne was born on January 27, 1942 in Cleveland, OH, daughter of Lillian Sylvia (Stvan) Motyka and Joseph Anthony Motyka. Joanne earned her B.S.N. in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University; an M.A. in biology from Missouri State University, an M.S. in Nursing from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Joanne taught for many years at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, in the departments of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and finally in the Department of Nursing that she helped establish and for which she served as the first department head.
Joanne was a caring and innovative nurse, researcher, author, leader, and educator. Her impact and contributions continued to blossom after her retirement. She will be remembered and missed by her family and the many who crossed her path during her lifetime.
Joanne is survived by her husband, Dr. Albert Raye Gordon; a son, Dr. Adam Joseph Gordon and daughter in law, Dr. Molly Conroy of Salt Lake City; a son, Dr. Andrew Gordon and daughter in law Margaret (Aoyagi) Gordon of Los Angeles, CA; four grandchildren, Lilly, Martha, Neil, and Miles; one sister, Barbara Ann Horn, and one nephew, Dr. David Horn of Decatur, IL.
A closed casket service for family members will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 7, 2026 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Millcreek, UT. Internment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, OH will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake City or other charity supporting children, the homeless, or refugees is appreciated.
