Diane Viola Benoit

Diane Viola Benoit, age 78, passed away on April 27, 2025. She was born on January 15, 1947, in Hubertus, Wisconsin, to the late Rose and Earl Simon. At the time of her passing, she was living in South Tampa, Florida where she resided since 1985.

She worked as a travel agent and later as an event coordinator for a catering company that allowed her to share her love of bringing people together. Her free time was spent reading, cooking, grilling and gardening. She also volunteered a great deal of time at a local thrift store. One of her greatest pleasures was organizing events for her fellow residents at The Presbyterian Villas of Tampa.

Diane is survived by her loving children, sons, James Lofy Jr. (Tammy), Craig Lofy (Angela), and daughter, Leah Lofy, her cherished grandchildren, Juli Pfieffer (Jack), Janelle Lofy (fiance Braden Huffman), Mia Pardo, and Craig Lofy Jr. She also leaves behind her dear friend and former husband, James Lofy Sr. (Rita). Diane will be deeply missed by her siblings and cousin: Dennis Simon (Lynn), David Simon (Colleen), Carolyn Kirsch, Janice Eagan, Marlene Zarling, Harriet Hechimovich (Tom) and her sister-in-law, Theresa Simon. She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Donny Simon, sister, Alyce Langer, cousins, Barbara Ann Schimenti and Kenneth Simon, brother-in-law, Marvin Zarling, brother-in-law, Jim Kirsch Sr., and brother-in-law, Dean Eagan.