Priscilla Margaret Singleton

Priscilla Margaret (Dalton) Singleton, 84, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the loving wife of Richard T. Singleton with whom she shared sixty-three years of marriage.

Born in Boston on January 7, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Francis R. and Margaret E. (Witham) Dalton. Priscilla spent her early childhood near various Army Air Corps bases, as her father-a Major in the B-29 bomber project-prepared to deploy to the Mariana Islands during WWII. After the war, the family lived for several years in New Brunswick, Canada before settling in the Waban neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts. It was there she forged deep, lasting friendships that would stay with her for a lifetime.

Priscilla had a natural compulsion to create community, weaving connections wherever life took her. In the mid-1950s, when the family moved to Manchester, she quickly established the same kind of close-knit bonds there that she had cherished in Newton. She graduated from Story High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to earn an associate degree in journalism from Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine. Later, despite family responsibilities, Priscilla earned her bachelor's degree from Lesley University, graduating with her husband and daughters cheering her on.

In 1962, Priscilla married Dick, her high school sweetheart, and together they shared a life full of joy, adventure, and deep community roots. Their home became a gathering place-whether they were hosting Fourth of July parade cookouts, throwing memorable parties (complete with live bands or an Elvis impersonator), or turning everyday projects into ways to bring friends together. Through good times and hard work alike, they met life side by side-with creativity, perseverance, and a sense of fun.

Priscilla and Dick shared a love of travel, exploring France, Italy, Ireland, the UK, Alaska, and the continental U.S. They returned many years to Bermuda and Florida, where they were deeply rooted. Priscilla didn't just explore the world-she created one of her own, especially for her children and grandchildren. Her home was a place of constant energy, creativity, and discovery. There were always projects to dive into, stories to tell, costumes to wear, songs to sing-and usually a dog or two in the mix. Family barbecues on the back deck became the backdrop for summer birthday celebrations.

Throughout her life, Priscilla used her gift for words to make meaningful change. She worked in college and career counseling, served on the Manchester Charter Commission, helped found the Spaulding Education Fund, and secured a major grant to fund the Educational Opportunity Center at North Shore Community College. She had a remarkable way of drawing people together-through clever newsletters, personalized poems, and gatherings that included team tennis and golf, left-handed lunches, progressive dinners, beach days, and dances. Later, she combined her love of photography and design to create Cameo Graphics, which produced beautiful greeting cards-now treasured keepsakes.

Priscilla is survived by her husband, Richard Singleton; three daughters, Jane Singleton Stark (Paul) of Beverly Farms, Amy Singleton Adams (William) of Wayland, and Wendy Singleton (Joseph) of Waltham; grandchildren, William Stark (Emily), John Stark, Elizabeth Stark, Benjamin Adams, and Alexander Adams. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Peter F. Dalton, and her sister, Barbara E. (Dalton) Weston.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 62 School Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea on Friday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made in Priscilla's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org . Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .