Barbara Dale

Barbara Jewell Dale, aged 85, passed away peacefully on April 13th, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will take place at Mile Hi Church, Lakewood Colorado on May 9th at 1030 AM.  Please wear bright colors if you can attend.  Barbara will come to her final resting place at St Francis de Sales Cemetery in Elka Park, NY in July of this year.

Barbara was born in Manhattan, NY and passed peacefully to her next expression in Denver, Colorado. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, strength, and compassion. Her journey through life was as rich and beautiful as the stories she loved to read—full of adventure, warmth, resilience, and an abiding devotion to those she held dear.

Barbara was born and raised in the vibrant heart of the Bronx in 1940, where she shared childhood memories and laughter with her parents Henry (Hank) and Helen and her brother, James (Jim) Dale. From a young age, Barbara possessed a strong sense of curiosity and an unshakable spirit, traits that would shape her life and inspire all who knew her. She attended grade school and high school in New York, and Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City, where she obtained a Registered Nurse degree. 

Barbara married Terence McFadden in 1960, and together they raised four children: Maureen McFadden-Bernacchi (Peter), Nancy McFadden (Chris Townsend), Terence McFadden, and Daniel McFadden, who sadly passed away in 2017. Barbara poured her heart into motherhood, creating a home filled with love, support, and the occasional playful chaos of a big, close-knit family. 

Barbara spent every summer of her childhood in Tannersville NY, at the family “Big House” enjoying time in nature. Her days and nights were filled by the Dale family including her grandmother, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara held dear many memories of summers spent at the family homestead.  She shared the love of the “country” with her children, bringing them to the mountains year after year to enjoy the treasures she held so close at heart.

Once her children were grown, Barbara followed her heart and began a new chapter, embracing her independence and rediscovering herself. In time, Barbara found true companionship and adventure with Bruce Silver, whom she married and shared many of the most exhilarating and fulfilling years of her life. Barbara and Bruce made a home in northern California to be near Barbara’s brother Jim (Loren DeLorenzo).

Barbara and Bruce hiked breathtaking trails, biked through winding landscapes, enjoyed many days by the ocean, skied snowy slopes, meditated under peaceful skies, and cherished the simple joys of one another’s company. Their love was deep and joyful; a beautiful second act full of wonder. When Bruce passed away in 2015, Barbara’s heart broke, but her enduring spirit carried her forward.

She moved to Colorado in 2016 to be closer to her daughter, Maureen, and her grandchildren, Shannon McKinney (Ryan) and James (Jordan) Cunningham. She also was blessed to know and love her grandchildren by marriage, Elisha Ortivez (Henry), Merlin Corcoran (Danielle), Tina Schumann (Nick), Joseph Bernacchi (Heather Cabrera), Angela Hoehler (David), thirteen great-grandchildren and her four great-great grandchildren. Nothing brought Barbara more joy than spending time with her family, especially her great-grandson, Patrick, who lit up her world. Whether she was reading to him, watching him play, or simply basking in his laughter. Barbara’s love for family was the heartbeat of her life and she eagerly anticipated the birth of her next great-grandson, due in July this year. 

Barbara was an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for stories, Barbara devoured nearly one hundred books last year alone, with historical fiction being her favorite genre. She could often be found on the porch with an enjoyable book in hand, a symphony of birdsong in the background, and chocolate at her side. Barbara was overjoyed spending time with furry friends Bella and Charlie, who she sang to and poured her love to every day. It was in these quiet, contented moments that Barbara’s soul seemed to shine the brightest.

Barbara adored butterflies, seeing them as symbols of beauty, freedom, and transformation—qualities she embodied with quiet grace. She had a fierce and compassionate spirit, always looking out for others and standing up for what was right. Her empathy was boundless, and her care for her fellow humans was a guiding force throughout her life.

Barbara Dale was deeply loved, and her absence will be felt profoundly. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who admired her, and a world made better by her presence. Her legacy is one of courage, curiosity, kindness, and the quiet strength of a life well-lived.

May her memory continue to flutter in our hearts like the butterflies she so loved.

The family extends sincere gratitude to The Denver Hospice for the kind and compassionate care of Barbara in her final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Denver Hospice, 8289 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver CO 80230 are gratefully appreciated.