Aija Gotti

Aija Gotti, age 80, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on February 11, 2022 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Born in Liezēre, Latvia, she was the daughter of the late Janis and Leontina (Reinbergs) Melbardis and wife of the late Edward W. Gotti. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Missouri. Aija received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Penn State University in 1963. Her family being most important to her, Aija was a proud and loving grandmother to her five grandchildren.  She also enjoyed gardening, going to the theater and symphony, and spoiling her pets. Aija was also a long-time volunteer in the Springfield, MO community through Christ Church’s "Next to New" organization and St. Mary’s Guild, and the Springfield Symphony Guild.    

Aija is survived by her daughters, Nicole (Edward) Hernández, Jennifer (Scott) Erickson; grandchildren, Jessica Erickson, Morgan Erickson, Marisol Hernandez, Antonio Hernandez, Arianna Hernandez; two sisters, Vija Jones & Gunta Melbardis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:  Ozarks Food Harvest (Ozarksfoodharvest.org) or the American Latvian Association (alausa.org).