Kathleen Thomas Dale's Obituary
Chapter One–A Star is Born
Mom sure knew how to make an entrance. She entered this world on 07/07/47 at 7:07, weighing 7 lbs, 7oz. She was the 7th grandchild and 77th great grandchild. Born from absolute goodness and honor to her parents Donna Young Thomas and Leo Don Thomas, who resided at 7th South and 7th East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Surrounding newspapers took notice and wrote about this little girl “who had the lucky number 7 attached to her”. Grandma said that even a few popular tabloids reached out, and that the 7’s kept going too...but the world had already gotten the point.
Mom would experience a charmed childhood, especially being an only child, and would only know love and encouragement. Grandma said she was a perfect child, even in her teens. Her youth would be filled with activities such as dancing, skiing, road trips in her Dad’s BMW, playing with her countless cousins (better not count them, we’ll find more 7’s). Mom was involved in every club at school that her schedule could tolerate. She especially enjoyed being on the ski team, having outstanding grades, and of course–more dancing. Mom loved dancing, it was good for her soul. She graduated from Hillcrest High and then attended BYU-Hawaii.
Mom would meet her future husband Wayne Fred Dale while working at Albertsons. After marrying they lived in Texas with their first and second born kids while dad ran Albertsons bakery. Mom did not like the tornado warnings–nope, not one bit! They would eventually move back to Utah, where they would build a home in Sandy, of course, right off of 7th east. Dad would then open up his own delicious bakery and mom would eventually give birth to two more babies throughout the seventies. Mom enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved camping, water skiing, very tight friends that all lived within the U-shaped neighborhood, dancing in her home studio, and of course, motherhood.
Mom was pretty impressive back then. She was in charge of her stepchild and 4 kids (two in diapers). Mom did so well keeping us happy, safe, and our bellies full. I recall Mom's ritual of making a week's worth of meals and then freezing them. Mom learned her nurturing spirit from the finest–the best mother the heavens ever produced, our Grandma. Mom also liked to read to us and told us stories, sometimes even scary stories if we were good. And most importantly, Mom loved to hug her babies. Life was really good for Mom and she deserved it. Everyone loved Mom…kind, funny, giving, beautiful Mom!
Chapter Two–A New Way of Life
Mom became ill shortly after having her 4th baby, with some of the complications that modern medicine is now much more aware of. Mom would start a very slow downhill journey that would eventually become an avalanche, including a divorce. She would never be able to fully recover. She lived with the bitterness of knowing who she was, and the promise of who she wanted to be, but could no longer be, which resulted in unworldly sadness.
Mom would try to cope the best she could. Sometimes in healthy ways, and sometimes not. Mom did the best she could with what she had to work with…and with what was working against her. She fought to improve and achieved small wins. And regardless of what she was currently struggling against, she made sure her kids knew that she loved them with all of her heart.
Chapter Three–The Making Of A Champion
Mom stopped drinking in 1990. It was this victory that her kids are so very proud of because they witnessed firsthand what it took to stop–especially when she was sad. Mom was sober the rest of her days!
Over the next several decades, Mom would face continued health challenges that ultimately resulted in the need for hospice care. But as always, she fought and bounced back, only to be re-diagnosed (several times) and then, be on her way.
Her quality of life was difficult toward the end but she made it know that it’s the small things that bring happiness: giving and receiving love, her family who she adored, bubble gum, phone conversations with her mom, sitting in the courtyard receiving a gentle sun kiss, and perhaps a dose of Perry Mason and I Love Lucy, with a Diet Coke to wash it down. And let us not forget about Mom’s favorite movie–Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Mom was the only woman that could compete with Audrey Hepburn for beauty.
A quitter is defined by knowing the outcome is not in your favor and resigning.
A winner is defined by the outcome being in your favor and fighting.
A champion is defined by knowing the outcome is not in your favor, may never be, and yet, you still fight.
Our Mom, the champion, the gold medalist in enduring.
Chapter Four–The Kids Are Alright
Mom, I have been given the honor and trust to write your legacy. I will not let your journey go unknown. I refuse to let our love for you read like a resume. The world needs to know that us kids are so very proud of you and that we adore you, in all your chapters. Your fight was not futile. I will admit, your elements could cause confusion and lack of understanding at times…OK, most of the time, but it worked out. Somehow it always worked out.
We got to witness angelic selflessness for decades from Grandma stepping in when your health kept you from being who you wanted to be. For years, we got to witness you fighting a fight you would never really win, but saw you keep punching as though you would! We also witnessed a mother-daughter bond between the two of you, demonstrating devine, unconditional love.
What kind of impact do you think that will have on your kiddos? Knowing that us kids come from absolute goodness and next level perseverance? What are we to do with that information, Mom? It’s clear now–we are your legacy, Mom.
Kimberly–Your firstborn, the adult. The super mom to her kids. The responsible one to a fault. The secret poet. The internalizer. The beautiful soul. The anchor to all, and for all, and at any hour.
Mark–Your black haired, blue eyed boy–your eyes. Your lion heart that roared his way through the odds and redefined the meaning of accomplishment. Father. Bullet proof. A man's man.
Michael-Your wandering adventurer. Your escape artist. Your prankster. Your drummer. Your secret thinker who can pen beautiful words. The super worker and super saver. Teacher. Father.
Melissa-Your princess. Your go-getter with a perfect score. A super mom. A super athlete–26.2 miles is child's play. A living testament to your beauty.
Grandma jokingly used to say, “Well, you kids didn’t turn out like I hoped, but not nearly as bad as the neighbors predicted.”
Mom, us kids are tight. We share a special bond beyond siblings and blood–because in a way, we had to come along on your journey too, and now there’s nothing that can separate us, not even heated arguments. What a gift–the gift of a tight family.
Chapter Five–A Star Takes a Bow
In the end, mom declined very quickly, and for the most part, very peacefully. All her kids were there and are grateful they could offer her comfort and say their goodbyes. What a gift. If a passing could ever be described as beautiful–Kathleen Thomas Dale delivered. Mom is survived by 4 children, a step child, Trace, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. We will miss her dearly. It brings us comfort knowing that she is now with her parents in heaven.
And with the same manner in which arrived, she exited also with epicness! Mom died on Memorial Day, 2025. And of course, she was 77. You may take your bow now, Mom.
P.S. Please explain to us why the hell you never played the lotto?
A family viewing will be held at Premier Funeral Services in Midvale, Utah. Following is a graveside memorial services for friends and family will be held at the Murray cemetery on June 4th at 1:30 pm at 5490 South Vine Street, Murray, Utah.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers that provided compassionate care to our mother. And thank you friends and neighbors who contributed to her wellbeing over the years.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?