Denise Soika Molendyk

Denise Soika Molendyk, 76, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on August 11th, 2025. She was born on September 20th, 1948, in Portland, OR, where she lived most of her life. After a second diagnosis of breast cancer, she moved to Charlotte, NC to be close to family.

Denise had a strong will to survive, and tried to live every day to its fullest. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and giving back to her community. She was a former board of directors at Providence Portland Medical Foundation, as well as an advocate for funding cancer research. Denise was also a former director at Waverly Country Club.

Denise is survived by her sons, Christopher Soika and Jason Soika; several grandchildren; her sister Debra Starkel; and her brother Craig Bertsch.

She will be laid to rest at River View Cemetery (300 S Taylors Ferry Rd, Portland, OR) on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 11:00am. Grave site ceremony will be for family only. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland in the cellar room (422 SW Broadway, Portland, OR). All friends and family are welcome.

For those wanting to give, please consider the following donations:

Cancer Research Providence Portland Medical

American Cancer Society