Kathleen “Kathy” Martchenke died peacefully May 2, 2021 at age 87 with her family at her side. She had many accomplishments and was proud of her achievements and service to the community. An active member of Valley Community Presbyterian Church since 1963, she taught Sunday school and served as a Deacon. A lover of history, Kathy was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Tabitha Moffatt Brown-David Hill Chapter. Throughout her life she volunteered her time to help others, organizations included Medical Teams International, CASA, Smart Reader, and Boy & Girls Club.
It was in being a mother and grandmother that her star shone brightest. Armed with her purse, jacket, and a fun-loving, cheerful nature, Kathy could always be counted on for an impromptu movie or trip to the beach. Maybe even a chocolate treat, and there was hardly a movie she hadn’t seen. “Garma” was also known as the grandmother of her neighborhood where she lived for 41 years. She was loved by many.
Kathy was born and raised in Peekskill, NY. Embracing creativity throughout her life, Kathy played cello in middle school, often transporting the big instrument to school on a city bus. She took singing lessons off Broadway, sketched landscapes, painted birds & people, and after wrote articles and stories for local Portland papers.
She graduated from Hendrick Hudson HS in 1951, then received a BA in Social Science & English from State University of NY, Albany Teacher’s college in 1955. Kathy would go on to receive a Master’s degree in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College. She started her teaching career in Long Island, NY, but it didn’t take long before the open road called her name, and she headed west to Colorado. After a long teaching career, she changed paths and went to work for the US Army Corps of Engineers, a job she adored and eventually retired from.
Kathy loved a good adventure, including traveling far and wide. She lived in many states, hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at age 60, travelled to England, Europe, and Hawaii, but her favorite place was Cannon Beach, Oregon. She’d be there now if she could.
Born on September 15, 1933 to John and Lacy RayElla Restein. Kathy is survived by three daughters – Julie, Jamie, and Cherie (Warren); 3 grandchildren – Willa, Nathan, & Ian (Effy) and several nieces and their families. She is preceded in death by her former husband, Walter Martchenke; her son Eric Martchenke, sisters Edna Maxwell & Rayella Grant and brother Joseph Restein.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday 05/06/2021 at 3pm at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR. A memorial service at Valley Community Presbyterian Church in Portland will take place at a later date.
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