Diane Apsley Hoffman, affectionally known as “Momma D.” and “DeDe”, age 60 years, of Readington Township, NJ, died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 2, 2020 surrounded by her loving family and the animals she held so dear on her farm.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, June 29, 1959, daughter of Barbara Apsley Karsenty and the late William F. Apsley, she was raised in Branchburg, NJ, graduating from Somerville High School in 1977. She had formerly lived in Scotch Plains, Whitehouse Station, Flemington, Neshanic Station, and Bradley Gardens prior to moving to her dream farm on Hillcrest Road in Readington Township seven years ago.

‘Momma D.’ could never be summed up in a few paragraphs as her vibrant spirit and limitless vision are nearly impossible to be captured by words. Simply put, Diane was truly a mother to all she met. By nature, she was the embodiment of the term ‘nurturer.’ All that she did, she did with love in her heart and compassion in her actions.

Growing up in the ‘country setting’ of Branchburg, NJ during the 1960’s allowed Diane to see the wonder and magic of nature and to appreciate the beauty in people and animals. It was during her childhood that a neighboring farmer allowed her to ride horses; it was love at first saddle when Diane and rode her first horse and they became best of friends. She enjoyed riding and taking care of the horses and the depth of care required suited her caring nature completely. Daisy would be the first horse she owned and would leave a permanent mark for the better upon Diane’s heart.

Always wanting to help others brought Diane into the field of emergency services, where she would become an Emergency Medical Technician. She would volunteer as an EMT over the years and was a Past President and Life Member of Station 74, Branchburg Rescue Squad. Her patients were all treated with dignity, and Diane cared for someone who had a cold the same way she treated someone with a serious illness: with respect for the position they were in and a deep understanding that she was responsible for not only their physical welfare, but for their psychological welfare as well.

This ability to be truly empathetic also made her a great partner to ride with. It would not be long before her skills were noticed and she became an EMS educator, working for Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health Network where she trained countless EMT’s and first responders over the years. She was well-respected in both the classroom and the field, and her efforts have surely made New Jersey a safer and better place in which to live.

Diane had a fun side too; and it was a side that was viable from any angle, as she was the life of the party! Loving to laugh, dance and seize each day, she approached every situation with a child-like optimism that put everyone at ease and encouraged all to be kinder and gentler with one another.

Family was her world, and Diane lived her life in a way that was always allowing her to create situations where she could host parties and gatherings and ensure her home was an epi-center for people to be together and make memories. In purchasing ‘HOOFman Farms’, it was Diane’s wish that she could have her grandchildren grow up in a way where they too could appreciate life the way she did as a child. Known by her grandchildren as ‘DeDe’, they will benefit from the foundation of love that she has poured for them, a foundation which can never be destroyed.

Loving the country, Diane also enjoyed her time at the the Jersey Shore. Going tanning and relishing the warmth of the sun, the family maintained a residence for many years in Seaside Park, NJ where many memories were made and relationships nourished. They also maintained a lake house at Culver Lake in Sussex County, NJ, which was a place where the entire family came together often.

A 4-H leader in Somerset County and being a member of the American Quarter Horse Association were two other groups to which Diane devoted her time and talents.

Diane’s passing is something that came suddenly and has rocked the community to its core. She would certainly want all reading this to acknowledge the old adage of, “Home is where the heart is” and to remember that if we are all kind to one another, and are there for one another in all circumstances, then she will be forever with us as well. Rest easy Momma D. Because of your light, we can see and travel the path you have paved for all of us and now we too, can help light the path for others.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Richard “Mose” Hoffman.

Surviving are her husband, Roy Richard Hoffman; her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Rebecca Hoffman; her daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Joseph Caiazzo; her cherished grandchildren, Colt, Kelsea, and Alexander; her mother, Barbara Apsley Karsenty; her siblings, Kenneth Apsley and his wife, Sheila, Robert Apsley and his wife, Janice, Richard Apsley and his wife, Michelle, and Jill Apsley and her wife, Jenn; her mother-in-law, Anna Hommer Hoffman; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and many dear friends around the United States and the world.

Diane will lie in repose on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 2:00-8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:30-11:30 a.m., all in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Diane’s ‘Last Call’, followed by an EMS and First Responder walkthrough led by Branchburg Rescue Squad, will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening. All departments sending apparatus and personnel are asked to email careteam@wrightfamily.com with the number of apparatus and contact information to receive staging instructions.

A life celebration service will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home and to which all are welcome to attend.

Committal prayers followed by cremation will take place privately at the Chapel of Somerset Hills Crematory, Bernards Township, NJ.

Please visit Diane’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Diane are asked to make a gift in her name to either Branchburg Rescue Squad, the Adult Day Center of Somerset County, or the Readington Volunteer Fire Co. Please click HERE to be taken to her personal memorial page.

For those who wish to make a contribution via mail, please make checks payable to “In Memory Of” and mail to P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Kindly note ‘Diane Hoffman’ as well as ‘Branchburg Rescue’ or ‘Somerset County’ or ‘Readington Fire’ in the memo to denote the charity you are donating towards. All contributions, regardless of the amount, are very much appreciated by the family.

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