Diana Lee Hoffa

Diana Lee Hoffa, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully just four days after her 79th birthday, as the first snow of the season began to fall--fitting for someone who always hated the cold.

Diana grew up on the family farm just outside Sweetgrass, Montana, surrounded by her four siblings and many cousins. Her fondest memories were of family holiday gatherings and farm dances that filled the community with laughter and music.

Courageous and fiercely independent, Diana wasn’t afraid to blaze her own path. In 1972, she loaded her red Ford Galaxy onto a flatbed truck and moved to Los Angeles. There she worked as a customs broker, coordinating international shipments of underwater equipment for Jacques Cousteau. At the same time, she excelled as a top saleswoman for Miracle Maid, earning awards and travel experiences that took her across the Caribbean, Europe, and Lake Tahoe.

Diana treasured her children, Lindsay (1981) and Matthew Hoffa (1983). In 1990, Diana returned to Montana with her children to give them the small-town, grounded childhood she had cherished. She worked at W. Y. Moberly, Inc. and later UPS in Sweetgrass, where she remained until her retirement in 2016. In her free time, Diana continued to enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially those gatherings at the family cabin in Essex and Christmas in California.

Diana had a tender place in her heart for her family and animals--especially horses. She often visited the horses and rescue donkeys (and dogs and cats) of her extended family, the Cunninghams, finding peace and joy in their company. Known for saying, “I love babies and critters, and they love me,” Diana had a gentle spirit that drew people and animals alike to her. Her greatest happiness came from being “Gigi” to her grandchildren, Logan Patrick and Emrey JoLee Kanning, who were the light of her life.

Diana spent her last days happily surrounded by family, friends, flowers, and critters. Her courage, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Margie (McDonnell) Gottfried. She leaves behind her children, Lindsay (Shawn Kanning) Hoffa and Matthew Hoffa; grandchildren, Logan and Emrey Kanning; siblings, Peggy Jo (Dean) Rosera, Dennis (Sophie) Gottfried, Kathy (Gottfried) Johnson, and Adam (Robin) Gottfried; as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

We will be celebrating Diana’s life with a rosary at 7 p.m. on November 10, 2025, in Shelby, MT, at Asper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on November 11, 2025, in Sunburst, MT, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Sunburst Community Center.