Diane "Betz" Tavitian

Diane (Betz) Tavitian, 65, of Hampton, NH, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at High Pointe Hospice House. She was born in Exeter, NH, on September 23, 1960, daughter of the late Richard J. and Marga R. (Krook) Betz. Diane spent her early years attending schools in Exeter and Stratham, New Hampshire. Her family moved to New Fairfield, Connecticut in the early 1970s. Di was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from New Fairfield High School with the Class of 1978. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts (CUM LAUDE) (Fall 1982) and her Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education (Spring 1984) from the University of New Hampshire. Di had an open heart and a creative mind. She made everyone she met feel welcome, loved to laugh, and lived a life full of diverse experiences. Di began working at MIT in September 1984, where she spearheaded a pilot program creating the MIT Activities Committee (MITAC). She worked until April of 2025, retiring as MITAC's Senior Events and Program Associate within the Community Services Office. Di also held positions at the MIT Media Lab and the Architecture Department over the years. Her passion was to bring together MIT faculty, staff, retirees, and students by providing opportunities to engage in joyful and enriching activities. Di produced scores of creative and memorable MITAC events and activities, co-founded and led the Adoption Group at MIT, and played a key role at MIT Commencement ceremonies. She also led the MITAC programming committee and advisory council, developed close collaborations with colleagues on campus and at Lincoln Laboratory, served as a volunteer for the MIT Women's League English Partner Program and Student Mentoring Program, and provided thoughtful guidance to many other programs. Di was honored with MIT's inaugural Infinite Mile Award for Community Building in 2001, recognizing her stellar work with MITAC and the Adoption Group. Along with her MITAC team, she received a second Infinite Mile Award for Community Building in 2021, for creating an array of virtual talks during the pandemic, bringing a sense of connection and togetherness across the Institute. In the early 70's, Di was a competitive small bore target shooter. While in college during the 70's and early 80's , Di had a side business typing people's papers. One of her clients was a football player nicked name "Chain Saw". Di loved to write! In addition to writing stories for her little sister, in a digital age, Diane never abandoned the art of letter writing. In addition to the substance of her letters, Diane became famous for her creative calligraphy writing, often writing special notes or invitations for friends and relatives. Di had several short stories published within the University Forum section of THE NEW HAMPSHIRE newspaper at UNH. While in semi-retirement, Di wrote letters to people to give people hope and purpose, volunteered with the Friend's of Lane Memorial library in Hampton, NH, and participated in the Best Buddies program. Diane loved hiking with her husband, the many trails within New Hampshire White Mountains. One of her favorite places was Tuckerman's Ravine Lunch Rocks. She particularly enjoyed tent camping at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire and visiting Di's sister's camp on Canadarago Lake in upstate New York. Later, with her husband and son, she visited national parks across the country, including the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, and Yosemite. Di loved watching the Boston Red Sox from home, Fenway, or The Trop in St. Pete with her parents. She also loved watching football, basketball, and golf. Diane's greatest love and achievement was her family. She was a loving wife of 38 years to her husband, David P. Tavitian. She was beyond proud of, her son Dillon, who was the light of her life. Diane is also survived by, her sister Carolyn Betz Kerr of Niskayuna, NY, her niece Lila Kerr, and nephews Jack Kerr, and Putnam Kerr, sister-in-law Debbie (John) Megrdichian of Cranston, RI , her niece Melissa Megrdichian, and nephew Peter Megrdichian, brother-in-law Daniel Tavitian, and many members of the extended Tavitian family, whom Di loved very much. In addition, Di is survived by two loving cats, Lucy and Ollie. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Celebration of Life of Nov. 1st, @ 1:00PM at Little Harbor Chapel, 335 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth. With a mercy meal to follow. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Bradford~Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Archangels Armenian Church, St. Michael & St. Gabriel, 1280 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA 01835. Please make checks payable to "Holy Archangels". Donations may also be made in her name to the NHSPCA , 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885