Diane Berman Hoffman was born on July 31, 1927 in West Hartford, Connecticut to the late Aaron Berman and Gertrude Wigransky Berman. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Herbert Sidney Hoffman, and her sister, Barbara Berman Levy. Diane is survived by her daughter, Carol Hoffman Jason, and her husband, Joel, of Virginia Beach; daughter Barbara Hoffman Siegenfeld of Fairfield, Connecticut; and son Matthew Hoffman and his wife, Gail, of Boston. Diane treasured her nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren – Adam Jason (Marina) and their children Emily and Jack, Aaron Jason, Josh Jason (fiancée Gabrielle); Alex Siegenfeld, Allison Siegenfeld Pollack (Dan); and Max, Sophie, Zachary, and Hannah Hoffman.
Diane lived in her tennis whites and could always be found on a tennis court. After picking up a tennis racquet for the first time at age 42, she amassed a dizzying collection of trophies, titles and several coveted “gold balls.” Her journey began in Massachusetts at Wightman Tennis Center and Belmont Country Club, before moving on to her home away from home, Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill. She was known and beloved by all at Longwood as well as at Seaview Tennis Center in Palm Beach. Her tennis travels took her to countries as far away as Turkey, where she won the international seniors doubles tournament and took second place in the singles tournament. Her name is engraved on plaques at tennis clubs from Boston to Florida, with one of her proudest moments being her induction into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.
A graduate of New York’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Diane began her career as a singer, dancer and actress – even scoring a small film role. Upon her mother’s passing in 1976, Diane and her sister, Barbara, took over and successfully ran her mother’s finance company in Hartford for many years.
A few days shy of her 91st birthday in 2018, Diane broke the world record for the 90-94 age group in the 400 meters, while also breaking the U.S. record in the 100 and 200 meters. These feats were especially noteworthy because Diane was not a runner and had never competed in a track event. More impressive, however, was her ability to consume massive quantities of the most unhealthful foods imaginable without gaining a pound. But most extraordinary were her perpetual optimism and ability to connect with others through humor, genuine curiosity, self-deprecation and warmth.
There will be a private burial in Florida; a memorial service in Boston will be planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Genesis Foundation for Children (thegenesisfoundation.org) or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
