Victoria Starcke

Victoria Starcke, 94, wife of the late Dr. S.K. Starcke, passed away on July 18 at home in Carlsbad, after a brief illness. Mrs. Starcke was born in 1922 in Philadelphia, PA, and grew up in Pottstown, PA. In 1943, she earned an R.N. degree from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, and was married later that year to Dr. Starcke, who had recently completed medical school. Following WWII, the Starckes moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Dr. Starcke entered private practice, and their three children, Walter, Donald and Pamela, were born. In 1955, following a cross-country motor trip to explore the Southwest, the Starcke family moved to Carlsbad and put down roots. Mrs. Starcke was active in the Carlsbad Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, local civic clubs, and was a longstanding member of Carlsbad's First Presbyterian Church. She loved painting, gardening, needlecraft, and along with Dr. Starcke was an avid golfer. Above all, she was dedicated to her family, and excelled in her chosen roles as wife and mother. Mrs. Starcke is survived by her brother, John O'Such and wife Janet, of Pottstown, PA; a son, Walter, of Carlsbad; a son, Donald and wife Julia, of Maplewood, NJ; and her grandson, Matthew and wife Desiree, of Durham, NC. The family will celebrate Mrs. Starcke's life in a private ceremony. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com