Diane Stevenson

Diane Stevenson, an award-winning photojournalist, wine expert and enthusiast, mother of two daughters and grandmother to two grandchildren, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, after a brief illness. She was 70 years old. 

Diane was born in Yonkers, N.Y., in the summer of 1951. She spent the first 50 years of her life in Westchester and Rockland counties. Diane lived in Pearl River, N.Y., for 18 years, where she raised her two daughters, Dana and Kara, and niece Jill, while working as a photographer at the Rockland Journal-News, as well as The Reporter Dispatch in Harrison, N.Y. During her years as a photojournalist, Diane won numerous awards from the Associated Press and other press organizations for her news and feature photography. 

Diane embarked on a new journey to Salem, Oregon, in 2000 to take the job of chief photographer of the Statesman Journal. After retiring from her position, she began a new career in Salem in 2009 in the local wine industry. A well-known, well-loved member of the Oregon wine community, Diane worked in the tasting rooms of Stoller Family Estate and Left Coast Estate before most recently joining the tasting room of Cristom Vineyards, where she was an employee up until her death. Diane enjoyed this post-retirement career immensely, as it allowed her to pursue and enjoy her passions for nature, photography, video and wine.

Diane was known for her creativity, compassion for others, her love of nature, her personal style and her loyalty to her family and friends. She was known for pulling over on the road at any time to “capture that shot.” She meticulously cared for her home and flourishing garden while always attending to her boys, a crew of little dachshunds who were always by her side. She enjoyed exploring the landscapes of Oregon, visiting each mountain, the vast coastline, and her favorite place, Breitenbush Hot Springs. 

Her life will be celebrated by family members and her many friends with memorial services in both Oregon and New York.