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    BOCA RATON — Diane Gates Benedetto took her place in heaven on Feb. 26, less than two months shy of her 100th birthday. Diane was born in West Palm Beach on April 20, 1916, to Harley D. Gates and Harriette P. Gates, both early pioneers in Boca Raton.
    She was raised on a plantation on Palmetto Park Road where they grew bananas, tangerines, guava and other fruit. The plantation was named Palmetto Park Plantation by her father. Palmetto Park Road was named after the family’s plantation.
    She and her brother, Harley, had many adventures living in a bungalow called Morada Bonita, at 741 E. Palmetto Park Road near the Intracoastal Waterway in Boca Raton. She even had a pet raccoon named Petey.   
    Diane was married to Joseph Benedetto in the late 1940s. She was a burlesque dancer and performed as a headliner for more than 27 years. She traveled all over the world performing.
    The Benedettos owned Chez Joey restaurant on Federal Highway in Boca Raton for many years. They also owned the Eagle Cab Co.
    Diane lived in Miami from 1945 until she returned to Boca Raton in 1971. She lived in her home in Boca Raton for more than 45 years. She would often be seen walking her dogs throughout the neighborhood.
    She loved working in her garden, potting her orchids, oil painting, tending to her pond and spending hours reading, writing letters and keeping in touch with her friends. She was also an excellent artist, often seen about town painting the ocean and palm trees.  She had a special place in her heart for her many dogs, cats, frogs and critters that crossed her path in life.  
    Diane was an active contributing member of the Boca Raton Historical Society for many years. The photographs and archives she donated are vital to research about Boca Raton’s past.
    Her recorded memories and charming drawings help paint a picture of the tropical paradise that was Boca Raton 100 years ago. (Some of those memoirs can be seen on the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum’s website, Spanish River Papers, October 1975.)  
    She is a major feature of the museum’s 2000 documentary, The History of Boca Raton, on view at the museum. In later years, she also wrote children’s books for the Boca Raton Children’s Museum and appeared in several local plays in Boca Raton.   
    At 93, she moved to Miami, where she resided with her daughter for three years. She then moved to the Swankridge Care Center in Homestead, where she received excellent care and was loved by many. At the time of her death, five generations of family were at her side.
    She is deeply mourned and will be missed by her family and friends.
    Diane is survived by her daughter, Dianne Chapek of Miami; stepdaughter, Kathleen Edmonds of Lake Park, Ga.; stepsons, Patrick Benedetto of Lake Placid and Frank Benedetto of Jacksonville; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

— Obituary submitted by the family