SARA MACHETANZ

Palmer resident Sara Machetanz, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Palmer on Sept. 20, 2001. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at United Protestant Church in Palmer, with the Rev. Dennis Hotchkiss officiating.

In what her family described as a life well lived, Mrs. Machetanz was born June 25, 1918 in Johnson City, Tenn., and moved to Alaska in 1947, where she married Fred Machetanz in Unalakleet that year.

The couple built a cabin in Palmer in 1950, where they lived together happily for more than 50 years.

In the early years, Mr. and Mrs. Machetanz spent much of their time traveling the Lower 48, lecturing on the beauty of Alaska and making films of their experiences in Alaska.

They also wrote several books about their experiences in Alaska and Mrs. Machetanz alone wrote four children's books, which her husband illustrated.

Later, as Fred Machetanz' paintings became more popular, his wife spent more time running the business side of the art business.

Mrs. Machetanz loved her family, friends and the beauty of Alaska.

Friends and family will miss her zest for life, her compassion for others and her indomitable spirit. One friend recalled: "Sara was a kind, thoughtful, generous person. She loved to entertain and leaves fond memories among her many friends of happy times at the studio and when seated around the table in the kitchen as she prepared an elegant meal."

Mrs. Machetanz is survived by her husband, Fred; son, Traeyer; daughter-in-law, Carolyn; grandchildren, Alexandra and Olivia; sister, Francie; and dear and special friend, Kay Newbury.

Her loved ones wrote: "Sara passes from this world to the next, having left this one a better place for her life."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to charities aiding the survivors of the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies.