Adele Ladika

December 14, 1922 – December 29, 2025

Adele Ladika, 103, of Orange, California, passed away peacefully at her home on December 29, 2025. Born on December 14, 1922, in Buffalo, New York, to Stephen and Eleanor Pazdzierski, Adele lived a full and vibrant life devoted to her faith, family, and community.

A graduate of Riverside High School in Buffalo, Adele was a homemaker for many years in Buffalo and later in Huntington Woods, Michigan, where she raised her family. On November 22, 1951, she married Michael J. Ladika, and together they raised four beloved children. Adele’s love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she took immense pride in being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother!

Adele is survived by her children: Michele (Darol) Smith, Bernadette Ladika, Michael (Roxane) Ladika, and Karen Ladika. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Shelly (Brandon) Molina, Dylan (Nyra) Smith, Taylor Ladika, and Kyle Ladika, as well as her great-grandchildren: Maverick, Cali, and Bodhi Molina, and Daxton and Declan Smith.

A woman of deep faith, Adele was a devout Catholic who firmly believed in the values of God, family, and country. Her patriotism was matched only by her unwavering support for her community and her lifelong commitment to service. Adele was a member of Our Lady of LaSalette parish in Berkley, Michigan, for 52 years, where she volunteered at funeral receptions and participated in church activities. She was also an active volunteer at the Detroit Zoo and the Orange Public Library’s “Friends of the Library” program in California.

A talented and meticulous seamstress, Adele was a perfectionist in knitting, quilting, crocheting, and sewing. She was also an accomplished musician, playing the accordion, flute, piano, and self-teaching herself the harmonica. Adele’s love for the arts was rivaled only by her love for children and animals. She was a lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart.

A passionate gardener, traveler, and avid reader, Adele lived her life with joy, generosity, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Her presence will be missed greatly by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

In honor of Adele’s memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.