Dianne Forti Chavez

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 12, 1940, Dianne moved to Florida at the age of four with her mother, Dorothy Sine. She grew up in Tampa and attended Hillsborough High School, where she laid down deep roots in the community she loved. It was in Tampa that she met the absolute love of her life, Phillip Chavez. The high school sweethearts were married 67 years ago at the Episcopal House of Prayer, beginning a long, beautiful life together built on devotion, laughter, and strong family ties.

Dianne had a fulfilling career as an Executive Secretary and Administrative Professional, lending her talents to various institutions over the years before retiring from the University of South Florida (USF) in the Department of Continuing Education.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dianne’s spirit was vibrant and full of joy. She was a passionate reader, loved traveling and exploring new places, and was a devoted fan of Neil Diamond, whose music was a constant soundtrack to her life. An avid sports enthusiast, Dianne famously "coached" her favorite teams with fierce passion right from the comfort of her recliner at home. Above all, Dianne had an extraordinary warmth and compassion for all living things—every animal she ever met was her favorite.

Dianne was the beloved heart of her family and is survived by her devoted husband, Phillip; her three children, Todd, Troy, and Alana; three granddaughters; one grandson; and five great-grandchildren, all residing in Tampa.

Her warmth, humor, and endless love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Plans for a memorial service are currently being finalized. Please check back here at a later date for updates regarding the date, time, and location.