Dale Leary Donaldson

1935 - 2011

Dale Leary Donaldson



In memory of Dale: wife, mother, friend, sister… determined weaver of the loving threads that still hold us all together. Little woman with an indomitable will, you've taught us the value of perseverance and forgiveness. Your faith and love will bless us forever, and we are so grateful.

Dale L. Donaldson passed away in her home and with her family on May 15, 2011. A memorial service will be held at her church, Wildwood Presbyterian, 100 Oxbottom Road, Tallahassee, FL at 10 AM on June 4 with a reception there immediately following the service.

Dale was born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 27, 1935, grew up in Miami, FL, and moved to Tallahassee to attend FSU, make her home, and raise her family. She earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration, and eventually became the Director of Master's Programs and Director of Corporate Relations and MBA Career Opportunities for FSU's College of Business. Dale retired from the University in 1997 a year after marrying Henry 'Hank' Donaldson, whom she met as his undergraduate advisor at FSU some 20 years before.

Dale travelled extensively with her husband in their retirement, learned the game of golf (in which Dale masterfully and vexingly surpassed the skills of her husband and son on numerous occasions), developed an active social network in their shared Tallahassee and Land Harbor, NC homes, enjoying hobbies together of dancing, bridge, gardening, cooking and entertaining. She was an active volunteer at local assistance organizations for families and children in both locations. She particularly cherished holiday and vacation reunions with her children and grandchildren.

Dale became a very talented decorator and creative craftsperson and artist with a passion for glass and ceramic mosaics, blending broken, discarded, and misfit pieces into unique and harmonious beauty. Like her artwork, she made us feel beautiful despite our imperfections.

Dale is survived by her husband of fifteen years, Major Henry M. Donaldson, USAF Retired, and by her children: John D. (and Kathryn) Fain; Jo Sigrid Fain and her daughters Lila and Becca Deterding; Daniel (and Christine) Fain and their children Joshua and Alyssa Kincaid-Fain; stepchildren Tanya D. Shrum, Mike (and Donna) Donaldson, Brian (and Deborah) Donaldson, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Josephine (Keller) Leary, father Gerald Leary, and sister 'Micki' Henson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations with which Dale volunteered (please specify "In Memory of Dale Donaldson"):

Big Bend Homeless Coalition, 2729 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL, 32304 <www.bigbendhc.org/needs.htm> (850)205-6116

Reaching Avery Ministries (RAM's Rack Emergency Food Pantry and Thrift Shop), P.O. Box 234, Newland, NC 28657 (828)733-5127

Dale will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. So many have been touched by her warmth, her charm, her class, her creativity, her tremendous courage and strength, and the beauty of her personality and spirit.

Goodbye Dale, Mom, we suffer your departure, but celebrate your reunion in Heaven.