Diane Marie Kessel

Diane Marie Kessel, age 65, died Tuesday evening at Hopewell House Hospice facility in Portland, Oregon after a short battle with cancer. She was lovingly cared for in the last weeks of her life by her daughter, Melissa, and daughter-in-law, Jenny. Diane was born in Lewistown Montana on November 7th 1946 to Robert (Bob) and Blanch Armont. She spent her early years in Geyser Montana, moving with her family to Salem, Oregon in 1954. After graduating from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1964 she attended business school at the Merritt Davis School of Commerce, after which she worked at State Farm Insurance from 1965-1970. After a yearlong courtship, Diane married William (Bill) Kessel on August 26th, 1967 and remained faithfully married for 45 years. Diane and William moved to the Portland Metropolitan area in 1970 where they were blessed with their first son, John. After the purchase of their home in Lake Oswego in 1974 they were blessed with another son, Chris, and daughter, Melissa. They remained in Lake Oswego to raise their family. Diane was a person that enjoyed traveling. Some of her favorite vacation spots included Hawaii and Mexico. Diane was active during the last several months of her life; she married her daughter away, drove across the country to South Carolina, and took a trip to Hawaii with her husband. Diane thoroughly enjoyed gatherings with family and friends during the holidays and special events. She took frequent trips with family to the beach, for weekends filled with card playing. She also took part in a bunko club where she was a skilled player. Diane was a master seamstress who sewed wedding dresses and bridesmaid’s dresses for family and friends. She additionally sewed intricate wall hangings and realistic stuffed animals that she sold at novelty shows. Preceded in death by her parents, Diane also bravely endured the sorrow of losing a son, John Kessel; and a nephew, Nathan Ferder. She is survived by her husband, William Kessel; son, Chris (Jenny); daughter, Melissa (Adam); six grandchildren, Kaelyn, Taylor, Logan, Jacob, Whitney, Caleb; sisters, Jean Ferder (Rob), and Kathy Fawcett; and brother, Bobby Armont. Diane will be remembered for her kind and giving heart to all those that she encountered and knew. She was a truly accepting, generous, and giving person. She was always selfless, putting the needs of others above her own. She was known by family and friends as a kindhearted, affectionate and loving woman. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of being part of her life. In the midst of their grief, family members may experience solace in knowing that Diane has now joined her family in the kingdom of heaven. A funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 3rd 2012 at Queen of Peace Parish. Presiding will be Fr. Timothy Mockaitis, with a reception to follow at the Parish. Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.