03/12/2026
We are deeply saddened to share that the chair of the Oregon Home Care Commission, Marsha Wentzel, passed away recently.
Marsha may have worried at times that she might be forgotten, but the impact she had on the lives of Oregonians has truly been unforgettable. For over a decade, she served the Commission with devotion, insight, and an unwavering commitment to people with disabilities and older adults Marsha served as the Commission’s chair through all of 2025 and co-chair prior. Her advocacy helped move Oregon forward, and her voice - grounded in her own lived experience with at‑home services and her passion for person-centered supports - brought honesty, compassion, and urgency to the work. Marsha was, at her core, a teacher. Whether reviewing materials for committees, collaborating with colleagues, or simply talking with a friend, she consistently focused on helping others grow into the best versions of themselves.
Marsha’s life story was as remarkable as the contributions she made here in Oregon. Born in Canada, she spent time as an elementary school teacher in New York, even teaching a student who later became a senator. She was also a nanny, a passionate advocate for lighthouse preservation, and the niece of a lighthouse keeper—something she spoke of with pride. After moving to Salem about twenty years ago, she loved living downtown, especially being able to see the Capitol from her apartment. Her loss leaves a profound emptiness for all of us who worked with her, for the Commission, and for the Oregon Department of Human Services. We are proud to honor her legacy and hold deep gratitude for the difference she made.
