Diane Machunze

Published 12:12 am Saturday, July 19, 2014

Sept. 29, 1947 – July 4, 2014

Diane Mary Machunze passed away on July 4, 2014. She was born on Sept. 29, 1947, in Berkeley, California, to parents Gus and Loretta Erskine Machunze.

After her fathers death in 1952, her mother married Theodore Broyer, resulting in four siblings, Gary and Andrew; and step-brothers, John and Robert.

Her parents and Andrew and John predeceased her. Diane is also survived by several cousins, nieces, a nephew and countless friends.

After graduation from Berkeley High School, Diane received a bachelor degree from University of Kansas in education, Spanish and science. She taught in secondary schools in Oregon and North Dakota, before entering law enforcement in Salem, specializing in criminal justice education with additional training at Portland Sate and Western Oregon Universities where she earned her masters degree. While residing in Portland, Diane instructed and was program chair at Chemeketa Community College and later became administrator of the intake center and workforce development manager at Oregon State Penitentiary.

Dianes Girl Scout activity and family vacations were spent in the California Sierra where she returned frequently over the years. She enjoyed travel and among her many hobbies is best remembered for her affection and boundless devotion to her dogs and cats.

She retired to Redmond, but moved back to Portland five years ago with the onset of health issues.

Dianes family plans a private memorial to be held this summer in the California Sierra in accordance with her wishes.