Diane Chase

Diane Marie Chase, 74, of Vancouver, Washington, peacefully passed away on May 7, 2022, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in La Jolla, California, on January 3, 1948 to Appollonia (née Leckteig) and Leonard Chase. Diane is survived by her husband of 47 years, Arthur Chase; her sons Daniel (Rebecca), Matthew (Kathryn), and Luke (Amanda) Chase; grandchildren Madeline, Lilah, Samuel, Chloe, Carter, Claire, Wyatt, and Levi; brother Paul Chase (Mary Angerman); sister-in-law Phyllis Robertson (Terry) and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Appollonia, and brothers Leonard Chase and Charles Chase. Many of Diane's childhood memories were from the time her family lived in Austin, Minnesota. She enjoyed the snow, building ice forts with her brothers and ice skating at the neighborhood rink. She's always loved being surrounded by family. In 1960, her family relocated to Portland, Oregon, to pursue job opportunities for her father. Diane graduated from Grant High School in 1966, after which she attended Western Washington University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a major in Math. She was hired as an 8th grade Math teacher in Stanwood, Washington, where she taught for two years before relocating to Vancouver to be near her family. When Diane, then Miss Chase, began teaching math in Evergreen School District in 1973, she shared a classroom with Mr. Arthur Chase. They began dating that very night and were instantly inseparable. They were married on June 15,1974, and a few years later they built their house on ten acres where they would raise their three boys and enjoy living for the rest of their lives. When she was a little girl, she didn't want to get married because she didn't want to change her name. She loved that each of her names had five letters in them and sounded perfect together. She was thrilled that her name remained Chase after she was married - although she insists she took her husband's name. Diane was a natural teacher. Her students describe her as having high expectations while teaching compassion by example. Students remember singing Christmas songs every December during math class and making six-sided snowflakes. She taught at Covington Middle School, Pacific Middle School, Frontier Middle School, and Evergreen High School. She was often recognized around Vancouver by former students who had nothing but glowing compliments for her. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she was proud of her faith. She regularly attended bible study and was constantly learning more about her faith. She found comfort in her faith and in saying the rosary. Her father's rosary was still in her hand when she passed. Diane loved traveling with her family. Every year for over 40 years, they took a trip to their family favorite, Yellowstone National Park. When she and Art retired, they traveled for over 100 days. She enjoyed many cruises with friends and family, family trips to Disneyland, and visited the Holy Land. Diane's greatest joy was raising her children. Daniel was born in 1976, followed by Matthew seventeen months later in 1978. Their family was complete with the arrival of Luke in 1982. Diane loved being a mother. She spent years on the bleachers cheering on her sons in football, wrestling, and baseball. Diane had a signature cheer she would use to root them on so they always knew she was there. Even in their adult years, Diane would come to the events they were coaching or refereeing to show her support. Diane also loved spending time with her grandchildren. Watching them play in their apple orchard, teaching them to sew, playing with her American Girl dolls, and watching movies were among her favorite pastimes. She had a special relationship with each grandchild. Her wish was to spend her final days with her grandkids playing in the house. She described this as "music to her ears." A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens from 4:00-6:00 with a rosary at 5:30 pm. Her funeral will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Monday, May 16, 2022 followed by a reception in Marian Hall. The burial will be at 3:15 at Mt. Calvary Cemetary in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make memorial donations to Doernbecher's Children's Hospital's Pediatric Cancer Care and Research fund. Visit https://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecher/how-help-doernbecher-childrens-hospital and click "Make a Gift," or call 503-228-1730.

Diane Chase

January 3, 1948 - May 7, 2022