Diane Marie (Meyer) Rosenheim

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diane Marie Rosenheim – wife, mother, sister, aunt, Grandmere, and Gigi – the heart of our family and source of endless love, joy, and strength. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family’s love.

Born on May 5, 1940, in Portland, Oregon, Diane was the daughter of Alan J. “Bud” Meyer and Louise Margaret Hayes, whom she loved dearly. She spent her entire life on Portland’s east side.

Diane attended All Saints Grade School and Holy Child High School, later transferring to Madison High School, where she was proud to be part of its first graduating class in 1957. Diane was a beautiful person, known for her radiant smile and sweet nature. Along with her sister, Sharon, she modeled in Meier & Frank fashion shows, and competed in the beauty pageants of the time, winning many.

Diane valued education and earned her bachelor's degree from Linfield University in 1985, mainly through correspondence courses, while working full-time and raising a family.

At a young age, Diane developed a devotion to St. Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of nurses, and later became a Registered Nurse. She cared for people with gentleness and compassion. She dedicated over 50 years of her life to nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected her intellect, faith, and commitment to helping others.

In 1960, Diane married James P. Altenhofen, and together they had three children, Karen, Christopher, and Patrice. Though their marriage ended after 15 years, Diane and Jim remained devoted parents and lifelong friends. When he became ill, Diane was there for him – hopeful, encouraging, and by his side when he passed. Her love for him was steadfast, forgiving, and full of joy.

Diane found love again, marrying Sidney H. Rosenheim in 1981. Together they had two children, Andrew and Kathryn. They built a wonderful life full of adventure, travel, culture, and family. Their long-lasting love was a reminder that life keeps unfolding, and that the heart always has room for new and more love. Sid provided unconditional support and exceptional care for Diane during her final days, and she always had a bright smile and twinkle in her eye for him. Because of Sid, we were able to spend quality, private time together with her at home. We are forever and deeply grateful.

Diane’s children felt her love and pride every day. She was their strongest advocate, most ardent protector, greatest champion, and most enthusiastic cheerleader. She inspired them to be their authentic selves, to live up to their potential, to do hard things, and, most importantly, to have fun. Laughing with her was the best time.

Diane was known and admired for working hard, moving forward, and always remaining hopeful. She taught her children, not so much by words, but by the way she lived, how to keep going, even when life was hard. That resilience lives on in them, and it is one of the greatest gifts they received from her.

While she struggled with her memory later in life, Diane always remembered her family and never once missed an opportunity to express her deep and abiding love for them. Even on her hardest days, it was Diane filling the room with love, comforting those around her. She maintained her sense of humor and feisty determination through every obstacle, just as she had done throughout her entire life.

Diane loved animals, especially her pug Bella, who was always by her side. She loved music, with Neil Diamond topping the list of favorites. She enjoyed a good meal and regularly explored Portland’s culinary scene with Sid. She had a passion for travel, whether it be to Rockaway, Cannon Beach, or Seaside, Black Butte Ranch or the San Juan Islands, Hawaii or Mexico, Paris or St. Petersburg, Seattle or Lake Tahoe, Tahiti or Thailand, she would be sure to see every site, taking pictures and videos of her family along the way.

Diane found her greatest joy spending time surrounded by her family and they absolutely adored her. Through each moment spent together, through every hug, every hand held, every laugh, Diane created a lasting legacy of love, resilience, and optimism – a light that will continue to shine in our hearts forever.

Diane is survived by: her husband, Sidney H. Rosenheim; her sister, Sharon L. Hastings; her children, Karen L. (Altenhofen) Aase and husband Brian, Christopher J. Altenhofen and wife Laura, Patrice D. Altenhofen, Andrew S. Rosenheim, and Kathryn D. (Rosenheim) Aaberg and husband Chris. Diane was blessed with 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom she loved and cherished with all her heart.

The family would like to direct any donations or gifts made in Diane’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at the link below.

Thank you for being part of her life.

**Diane Marie Meyer Rosenheim

Eulogy, November 8, 2026, All Saints Church**

Good morning, I am Patrice Altenhofen. Diane was my dear Mom and I am honored to be able to speak about her beautiful life today. Thank you all for being here to remember and honor her. She was a magnificent person.

Our extended family had a tradition of going to Black Butte Ranch every summer. One year, as we were sitting around the table eating Lay’s potato chips with salsa and drinking beer, someone asked the question, “If you could be any age, what age would you be?”

My first thought was 23 – young, healthy, out of school, able to drive, able to drink. Other people were saying similar things – 25, 30, etc. When it came to be Mom’s turn, she surprised us all and said she would be FOUR. Four years old.

She said she’d be able to walk and talk, be potty trained, not yet be in school. Just a little girl, playing and loving life. I will never forget this – so innocent, so gentle, so simple.

I attribute this fondness of childhood to my Mom’s wonderful relationship with her own mother, Louise, our Nanny. They were so close and had a warm, fun relationship. They always seemed to be laughing and up for any adventure…which reminds me of a story.

Now, there are a lot of versions of this story, so I am going to tell it the way Mom told it to me.

It may be hard to believe but Paul Newman once offered to babysit me. It’s true. In the summer of 1970, when I was about two years old, Mom and Nanny decided to take Karen, Chris, and me down to the beach, where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Paul Newman was reportedly there, filming the movie, “Sometimes a Great Notion.” Mom and Nanny were determined to find him. They drove down in Nanny’s Corvair and sure enough spotted Paul (as I call him) in his yellow corvette.

A chase ensued and Mom was somehow able to convince him to pull over. Karen and I were crying in the car, probably because of the speedy ride. Mom got out and ran up to his window. He had a bottle of beer between his legs. Mom asked him for his autograph and he responded, “Miss, I don’t give out autographs but I’d be happy to babysit your kids anytime.”

Mom and her sister, Sharon, shared this same zest for life.

Sharon - you and Mom were master memory makers. She loved you so much. You took Karen, Chris, Lisa, Mark, and me on so many fun-filled adventures.

I can remember the five of us kids going into the ocean at Rockaway Beach, fully clothed, jumping the waves – Karen and Chris holding my hands and pulling me up and over. When we got back to Grandpa’s beach house, soaked and covered in sand, Mom and Aunt Sharon would laugh and tell us not to track sand in the house, then go about eating oysters and drinking wine.

There were trips to Camp Westwind and road trips to Lake Tahoe to see Nanny’s family, Sharon driving her red Chevy Monte Carlo and Mom in her lizard green Mercury Cougar – these little ladies driving these big muscle cars. They were fearless in them, driving through the dark, in the rain, whatever it took.

Once on a road trip to Victoria, Canada, Mom was late for the ferry. When we finally got to the terminal, we saw that Sharon had parked her car halfway on the dock and halfway on the ferry, saying she wouldn’t leave until sister arrived! Now that’s love.

Mom and Sharon were beauties, inside and out. Grandpa Bud was a salesman for Pendleton Woolen Mills, so they had the opportunity to model together as children for Meier and Frank, appearing in fashion shows and working the runway.

Mom competed in the beauty pageants of the time and was named May Day Queen, Queen Christmas Dream, and was even named Queen of Portland Hospital Week, which seems like something they created just as an excuse to give her another award.

At a young age, Mom developed a devotion to St. Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of nurses, and later became a Registered Nurse. She dedicated over 50 years of her life to nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected her intellect, faith, and commitment to helping others.

In 1960, when she was just 20 years old, Mom married Jim Altenhofen. Together, they had Karen, Chris, and me. Though their marriage ended after 15 years, Mom and Dad remained devoted parents and lifelong friends. When he became ill, Mom was there for him – hopeful, encouraging, and by his side when he passed. Her love for him was steadfast, forgiving, and full of joy.

When Mom was single, she worked so hard to provide for us, at times working multiple jobs. We admired her for this and for moving forward, always remaining hopeful. She taught us how to keep going, even when life was difficult.

Mom found love again, marrying Sid in 1981, and our family soon welcomed Andrew and then Katie. Mom and Sid built a wonderful life full of adventure, travel, culture, and family. Their long-lasting love was a reminder that life keeps unfolding, and that the heart always has room for new and more love.

Sid provided unconditional support and exceptional care for Mom during her final days, and she always had a bright smile and a twinkle in her eye for him. Because of Sid, we were able to spend quality, private time together with her at home. We are forever and deeply grateful to you, Sid, and to Mom’s gentle and kind caregivers who made her feel safe and loved. You brought her laughter, comfort, and dignity. And Brian, thank you for making their home safe and accessible.

Sid, you brought so much opportunity into our lives and you made great things possible for Mom and our family. Your compassion during our Dad’s illness was immeasurable.

Mom and Sid loved to travel and took us everywhere on vacation. All of us – our whole families. We built incredible memories – sailing in the San Juans and Tahiti, trips to Hawaii and Mexico, exploring Europe. Wherever she was, every person who met Mom thought she was an angel, and she was – usually. Little did they know that she had a reputation among her family members for her international theft of knickknacks!

We would be out to dinner, and Mom would spy a cute salt shaker or a pretty little bread plate. She’d look around mischievously, and then swiftly grab the item, placing it in her purse. Eventually, she would give it to one of us; I am sure we all have one of her (air quotes) souvenirs in our homes. Brings to mind her favorite quote, “If you follow all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

If you were on vacation with Mom, you were free. Her famous saying was, “You can do whatever you want to do, you’re on vacation.” There were corollaries to this phrase, such as “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do” and “I am not going to do that” – a phrase I find myself using often.

My siblings and I felt Mom’s love and pride every day. She was our strongest advocate, most ardent protector, greatest champion, and most enthusiastic cheerleader. She inspired us to be our authentic selves, to live up to our potential, to do hard things, and, most importantly, to have fun. Oftentimes, when we were all together laughing, Mom would stop and say, “We always have so much fun together.” She was always present with us, savoring our moments with one another.

Katie, you were Mom’s dear FRIEND. She shared her love of the beach with you, no matter the season. I love your story of how Mom would get you up out of bed late at night to watch Keeping Up Appearances, a British comedy show, and you two would laugh and laugh at Mrs. Bucket’s antics. It was so clear that Mom loved just being with you, Katie, spending quality time together. Treasure these moments. I know you carry this spirit of friendship on with your girls.

Andrew, you were Mom’s JOY. When you were born, our world got a lot brighter. I saw another side of Mom. You made her so happy and she loved playing with you, watching you grow. I remember watching her teach you to walk and talk, and your big blue eyes sparkling up at her and her warm smile for you. She thought you were just perfect and she adored you.

Chris, you were Mom’s PRIDE. She was so proud of you, your work ethic, and your accomplishments. She found your gentle way with children and animals endearing. She trusted you with decisions for her care. I will always remember the look on her face when you would visit her – she would just beam and say, “My handsome son.” And you would respond, “My beautiful Mom.” She loved you and she knew you loved her too. Her essence lives on through you and your children and grandchildren. 

Karen, you were Mom’s COMFORT. You brought Mom peace and happiness. When she was with you, she was at ease, ready to relax and have a good time. She felt safe with you and trusted you to care for her, which you did without fail. You always advocated for what was best for her. The resilience and can-do attitude you so admired in her lives on in you, and in your children and grandchildren.

Me. I don’t know why but she called me her Pumpkin Eater Peacock. And when I look at all the photos of Mom and me as a child, I might describe myself as Mom’s SHADOW. I don’t think I ever left her side. Honestly, it must have driven her a little crazy!

She might describe me as her WITNESS. I was eight years old when my parents split up, and 13 when she married Sid – thank you, Sid, for putting up with me as a teenager. I was 15 when Andrew was born. I saw so much of her life up close.

One of the last things my Mom said to me was, “Patricie, can I have a hug?” And we gave each other a great big hug. I will feel her arms wrapped around me forever. In a way, we were each others’ STRENGTH. I see her strength in myself and in my daughters.

While she struggled with her memory later in life, Mom always remembered her family and never once missed an opportunity to express her deep and abiding love for us. Even on her hardest days, it was Mom filling the room with love, comforting those around her. She maintained her sense of humor and feisty determination through every obstacle, just as she had done throughout her entire life.

Even in death, Mom has been looking out for us. Last weekend, when it came time to choose a final outfit for Mom, Karen and I met at the house. We were distraught, full of dread, facing this very tough choice. We went to Mom’s room, opened one closet, then another. We spotted a dress in a dry cleaning bag, with a tag on it. The tag read, “Bury me in this dress if it fits. xo” It was dated August 28, 2010. We were done in less than a minute. Mom did that for us.

Mom loved Christmas, her dog Bella, and Neil Diamond. She found her greatest joy spending time surrounded by her family. We absolutely loved and cherished her – this cannot be overstated. Through each moment spent together, through every hug, every hand held, every laugh, Mom created a lasting legacy of love, resilience, and optimism – a light that will continue to shine in our hearts forever.

We love you, Mom. Thank you for everything.