Dianne Marie Kostur

July 14, 1946 – August 6, 2026

Dianne Marie Kostur passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, creativity, and devotion to her family and community. In the words of John Denver, “It’s been a good life all in all” a fitting reflection of the joy and love Dianne brought to those around her.

Dianne was born on July 14, 1946, in Denver, Colorado, to Peter J. Prizner and Marie G. (Tovey) Prizner. She grew up alongside her older brother, David, as part of an Air Force family, including a memorable time living in France. She often recalled her long bus rides to school and the kind bus driver who brought pain au chocolat for the children.

After graduating from Thomas Edison High School in San Antonio, Texas, Dianne attended Texas Woman’s University before transferring to Colorado State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1968. She also served her country as a Captain in the United States Army, completing her internship at Walter Reed Medical Center and then working at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center until her honorable discharge in 1972.

In 1969, Dianne married the love of her life, Chuck. True to her resourceful and creative nature, she hand-sewed her own wedding dress and organized their wedding in just six weeks. Five years later, their daughter Michelle arrived, followed by Kaye two years after that. Together, Chuck and Dianne created a family centered on love.

The family settled in Littleton, Colorado, where Dianne devoted herself to motherhood. She even founded a neighborhood babysitting co-op to support local families. She was a member of the PTO and, as head of the Ways and Means committee, she raised the greatest amount of funds to build a new playground. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and a dedicated soccer coach. Summers meant loading the camper for fishing and outdoor adventures at Lake Dillon and throughout Colorado, often accompanied by her beloved John Denver music. She also treasured her weekly bridge club and the friendships she built there. During this time she earned her Masters in Gerontology from University of Northern Colorado.

In 1990, the family moved to Tigard, Oregon, where Dianne returned to occupational therapy, working in nursing homes. She had a special gift for caring for the elderly, bringing both compassion and skill to her work.

Dianne believed deeply in community. As President of the Tigard High School Band Boosters, she organized the school’s first band trip to Disneyland, a tradition that continues today. She also served multiple terms as president of her homeowners association. During her daughters’ high school years, her home became a gathering place for their friends, where teenagers always found a safe place, plenty of pizza, and a warm welcome.

Dianne was endlessly creative. A master seamstress, she was the neighborhood go-to for prom dresses and suit alterations. She made countless baby quilts and designed nursery decorations for each of her four grandchildren. She loved cooking and baking, always willing to try a new recipe, including her famous 12-layer cake. Most of all, she loved bringing people together around her table for holiday meals.

She also loved traveling, especially to the beach and making memories with her family. She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her family in Kauai, where she fearlessly went tubing through historic sugar cane canals, and celebrated her 65th and 75th birthdays surrounded by family at Legoland.

Dianne is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Chuck; daughters Michelle Watts (John), Kaye Swires (Greg) and grandchildren Reganne, Zoe, Andrew and Daniel; and brother, David Prizner (Ling).

Dianne lived a life of generosity, creativity, service, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.

Dianne will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon with military honors on Thursday, August 13th at 2:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of her favorite places to visit as a longtime member. https://aquarium.org/support/donate/ or to the Tunnels to Towers organization. https://t2t.org/

The family sincerely thanks Bristol Hospice and Home Matters for their compassionate care, kindness and support.