Diana Leone Paukner

Diana Paukner was best known for being memorable. Remembered for her wit, sarcasm, generosity, and tenacity. The love for her children and grandchildren was always something that could be counted on. She was a devoted wife, loving daughter, proud mother and grandmother, and a wonderful friend to so many. 

Diana was born and raised mostly in the Portland, OR metro area with some of her childhood spent in Albuquerque, NM. She graduated from Gresham High in 1980. After having her first daughter in 1981, she joined the US Air Force in 1983. Diana took much pride in her military service. In 1988, while stationed in Klamath Falls, OR at Kingsley Field AFB, she suffered rom a major car accident which changed her life forever. That same year she married John W. Lower II and had her first son in 1989, moved to Colton, OR in 1990 and had her second daughter in 1991. She was then medically discharged in 1992 from the military at 100% disabled. In 1997, Diana and John welcomed their final daughter. During the years after the accident, she prided herself as a homemaker and mother. Always volunteering for events and tasks for her children's sports teams, recitals and pageants, all while being a second mom to all the strays they brought home. In 2010, Diana and John's marriage came to an end, but her love for her family stayed tried and true. 

Diana found love again with Dean Paukner and they married in 2014, creating a new chapter of their lives in Milwaukie, OR. Diana and Dean enjoyed each other's companionship and occasional adventures in their RV. They lived a quiet life during the many years of Diana's illness, which she ultimately succumbed to in 2026.

Diana had an unwavering love for any and all animals, especially dogs. Over her lifetime she had a number of beloved canine companions that she treated as if they were her children. The dogs were lucky to have her. Diana's family likes to think that they were all waiting at the Pearly Gates when she arrived home in Heaven. 

Diana is preceded in death by her parents D. Compton and Dixie McKerahan.

Diana is survived by her four children, Melissa Lower, John W. Lower III, Elizabeth Jiminez and Rachel Lower, her sons-in-law Johnny Smits and Dylan Jiminez, her six grandchildren Lily Smits (12), Autumn Smits (10), Hunter Polzel (10), Hazel Jiminez (4), Ruby Lower (4) and DJ Jiminez (1), her beloved lap dogs Chompers and Fawn, and her loving husband Dean Paukner.

We were all her favorite!

Rest easy, Diana. We miss you terribly, but we will see you again soon. Give all the doggies a belly rub for us! We love you!