Rhona Yetta Tasch Mackenzie

March 12, 1947 – April 6, 2024

Rhona Yetta (Tasch) Mackenzie passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024 at home, surrounded by loved ones, in Portland, OR. Born March 12, 1947, Rhona is the daughter of the late Murray and Esther (Cohen) Tasch and lived in New York and Florida before moving to Oregon in 2018. She is predeceased by her brother Martin Tasch and is the sister of Barbara Tasch Ezratty. She is the sister-in-law of Harry Ezratty and Barbara Tasch Greenberg.

Rhona adored her job at a Greenwich Village Art Supply Store in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, and later worked as an Activities Director for several Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Facilities in New York State. Both positions demonstrated her love of people and her interest in the arts. An accomplished craftsperson and artisan, she enjoyed painting, drawing, macrame and decoupage. She also embraced nature and was an avid camper, liked tending to her garden, swimming in the river, and taking pleasure in the warmth of the sun.

She is survived by her children; Ryan Chesler and his wife Cassandra, Michael Mackenzie and his wife Sara, and Meredith Rivera. Her grandchildren; Alex, Aaron, Ascher, Adam, and Ariana Chesler, Callie Mackenzie, and Judith Rivera and her boyfriend Gavin, Emilio Rivera and his girlfriend Paris, and Leslieann Rivera, as well as her great grandchild, Alayah Nova Rivera.

Her life has been enriched by so many, it is difficult to list the names of all who loved Rhona AND all those she loved. It’s important to note that she’s been a friend, aunt, cousin, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to anyone in need. Her door was always open. If you don’t see your name here it is only due to space limitations and NOT a reflection on the role you played in Rhona’s long and happy life.

A gathering, to celebrate Rhona, tell stories, and be together around the campfire, will take place later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged, in Rhona’s name, to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS), 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland OR 97211 (503) 285-7722 or the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), 777 6th Street NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001 (800) 628-7275.