Marilyn Frances Dale, age 84, of Winchester, Virginia peacefully passed away on March 9, 2025. Born in Dubuque, Iowa on September 17, 1940, to Harold and Helen Galliart, Marilyn was preceded in death by her sister Marybelle Galliart, her parents, her brother Willard Galliart, her husband Allen Dale, and her brother Wesley Galliart. She is survived by her four children, Danya Dale, Jannica Pozuelos (Rafael), Andrew Dale (Frances Johnson), and Elizabeth Dale (Jen Swierk); as well as her five grandchildren: Beatrice, Alistair, Marta, Tabitha, and Lulu, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Marilyn met Allen Wray Dale in Fairbanks, Alaska. Allen was determined to marry her and offered a “standing proposal,” which Marilyn accepted after several months. The couple was married on August 11, 1971, and sealed in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the following year.

Marilyn led a life marked by unwavering commitment to learning, dedication to developing her talents, and hard work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Teaching from the University of Dubuque and two master’s degrees in English and Library Science from the University of Michigan. Before having children, Marilyn was a high school English teacher and librarian. As an accomplished pianist, organist, and composer, she frequently shared her musical talent with her church community and family, including a special piece she composed for each of her four children. She also had a gift for writing and poetry. Marilyn loved to read and could finish a book faster than anyone around her. She enjoyed word puzzles and often played board games, which brought out a competitive side most people did not know she had. She found joy in making crafts, which decorated her home. In her later years, she made “Hershey’s Kiss angels” to give to friends and strangers throughout the community along with a heartfelt compliment, which always resulted in sincere thanks for her unexpected kindness.

Marilyn traveled adventurously with her college roommate Christy and later with her family, appreciating diverse customs and cultures. She had the unique opportunity of living in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for 14 years before making Winchester, Virginia her home in 1992. While she experienced many places around the world, she often proclaimed Alaska was her favorite place to live as there is nowhere quite like it.

Members of the Whittier Park neighborhood will remember Marilyn from her daily two-hour walks. She enjoyed the surrounding wildlife and nature, and greetings of fellow early morning exercisers. She was fond of scenic country rides that reminded her of accompanying her father on leisurely Sunday drives. She worked for 20 years in the Children’s Department of the Handley Library, a job she loved, retiring only to spend more time with her grandchildren.

In her final years, Marilyn faced the challenges of dementia but never lost her sense of humor or quick wit. She met these difficulties with compassion and gratitude for those who cared for her. She often spoke of her longing to reunite with her mother, with whom she had a special bond, and to meet her sister Marybelle, who passed away before Marilyn was born.

Marilyn’s legacy is one of patience, peacemaking, service, and kindness. Her family and friends will remember her gentle nature, forgiving heart, and deep commitment to her values and beliefs. May we rejoice in having known her, just as she is surely rejoicing with beloved family and friends on the other side of this earthly veil.

Marilyn will be laid to rest with her mother (née Higgins) at Harmony Cemetery in Zwingle, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, 5-6 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, followed by a service 6-7 pm at the same location. Flowers are welcome, especially her favorite color pink. If preferred, donations may be made in Marilyn’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, Feed the Children, St Jude’s, or Salvation Army.