Dale DeMaio

Her Hands, Her Story

Ms. Dale, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, is a 78-year-old Italian-American sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother who is one of the most compassionate people you'll ever meet. Despite assumptions that she is loudmouthed and inconsiderate because of her past job as a head cook in a Catholic school, you'll find she is the exact opposite. Outside of work, Ms. Dale is a quiet, reserved woman who mostly keeps to herself; however, once you get to know her, it's like seeing a whole different person. She'll make sure to greet you with a cheery smile and tell stories about her life without speaking over you. Ms. Dale isn't afraid to show her appreciation for others, whether it's through giving hugs, asking about your day, or even offering half of her raisin and cream cheese sandwiches if she sees you without any lunch. She is willing to help those in need without hesitation.

Ms. Dale is very family-oriented, and giving is one of her main love languages; you can especially see that with her four grandchildren: Alex, Vincent, Brandon, and the only girl, Leah, with whom she shares a strong connection. You can see she gave her all when it came to raising them just by looking at her hands. Each wrinkle, crack, blemish, and healed mark on them was rightfully earned through the hours spent swaddling her children and grandchildren, changing their diapers, organizing their outfits for school, and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for them — even if she accidentally burnt or cut herself, she always put her family first. These amazing qualities have been passed down through both generations, and you can see that through the way she talks about them. Ms. Dale will always tell stories about how her grandchildren make time to come over to her house to hang out and play board games with her. If they aren't able to make it, they'll always make sure to text their nana to check up on her. They have even made two gifts for her: a custom-made mug featuring pictures of her and them together, and a silver necklace with four little people charms, each representing a grandchild thankful for her hard work.

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Throughout her life, Ms. Dale has helped shape the stories of those both close and distant to her. Her hands have undoubtedly helped those around her keep going, no matter their circumstances. Although she has already done so much for her community, Ms. Dale wants to take it a step further; it's time to tell her story. Through everything life has thrown at her and the lessons she's learned — whether the easy way or the hard way — she wants to remind the youth that it's okay to make mistakes, to own up to their actions, and to grow into a better version of themselves while embracing their flaws. With Legacy Builders and Preservers, we can now preserve pieces of Ms. Dale's life stories, the lessons she's learned, and pass them on to others.

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-Emily Armstrong & Dior Kiler

Identity Map

Ms Dale is someone I think everyone needs to have a conversation with. She's been working with kids longer than I’ve been alive and it reflects heavily in her personality. She is kind and soft spoken but also opinionated and kind. Even though at first she seems a bit shy she's a people person, and when you get to know her it really shows. She's social and I always know she has good conversations just waiting to start. She's big on family and with two adult kids and four college aged grandchildren she has a beautiful one. Her grandchildren love her and call her Nana and even though they are adults Ms Dale doesn't hesitate to cook and care for them because that's the kind of generous and well natured person she is. She inspires me to be more gentle and caring in my day to day life without sacrificing my voice and thoughts. I really look up to Ms. Dale and hope that everyone can have someone like her in their life.

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-Emily Armstrong & Dior Kiler