Dawn Diane Dale, 86, beloved wife and mom, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, in The Villages, Florida. She has found eternal rest with her Savior, Jesus.
Born on December 17, 1938, in Staten Island, New York, Dawn was the middle child of Harry Donald and Viola Louise Griffiths, who preceded her in death. She grew up alongside her late brother, Donald Griffiths, and her sister, Kathleen Giel.
Dawn shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, William “Bill” Stephen Dale, who passed away on February 17, 2024. Together, they raised three children: Michael (Lisa), Mark (Susan), and Mara (Mark Petro). She was also blessed with four grandchildren-Andrew, Holly (Robert Hackl), Hannah (Will Simon), and Zachary Owens (Ellie)-and six great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Olivia, Jacqueline, Collette, Ezra, and another Olivia.
At sixteen, Dawn made the loving decision to place her first daughter, Nicole, for adoption. Though they were never reunited, this act of love remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Dawn had a passion for entertaining and took great joy in welcoming family and friends into her home. No one ever left hungry-she always made sure of that with a warm smile and a heartfelt “Want some more?” A treasured family tradition of hers was a Christmas tree-trimming party held every year on her birthday, December 17th.
A lover of books, music, and dancing, Dawn filled her home with warmth and laughter. Her radiant smile could light up any room-a charm that first captured her husband Bill’s heart the day they met at the Marine Corps Ball.
Her legacy of love and joy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.