Bonita Louise Dale, known as Bonnie to all, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2019 at the age of 68 after a short, fierce battle with cancer.
Bonnie was born on October 21, 1950 in Widnoon, PA. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Donald A. Dale, her children, Heather (Mark) Fignar of Portland, OR, Eric (Amy) Dale of McKinney, TX, and Gregg Dale of Morrisville, PA, former daughter-in-law Sarah Dale, five very loved grandchildren: Bekah, Ryan, Josiah, Annika, and Autumn, her sister Patricia Butka of Palmyra, NY and brother Samuel Schawl of Kittanning, PA, and many other loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Eleanor Schawl, brother Raymond Schawl, and sister Beatrice Bell.
Prior to moving to The Villages, Bonnie and Don lived in North Chili, NY for more than 35 years, where they invested their time in church and family. After retirement, they moved to The Villages in 2016 and became beloved members of the community and their church, The Father’s House of Leesburg.
Bonnie thoroughly enjoyed life, especially activities that involved friends and family. Ever the social butterfly, she was often found hosting a game night, going out to a show with girlfriends, or jetting her grandchildren around The Villages on her golf cart. She loved sewing and gardening, especially when the finished product was something to bless a loved one. Her grandchildren remember her as the best gift giver and loved her “suitcase surprises” whenever she came to visit. Some of her favorite memories were created at Duck Lake in western NY, while kayaking and hosting friends. As she grew in her faith and identity in Christ, she discovered a passion for teaching and encouraging women in their faith. She is remembered as a joyful, strong, encouraging woman of faith who left a legacy of teaching all that she learned.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 10 at 9 am at Colony Cottage, 510 Colony Blvd, The Villages, FL 32162.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 11 am followed by a reception at Joy Community Church, 890 Goodman St N, Rochester, NY 14609.
