Annetta A. (Ferguson) Dale, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025, at her home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by family.

Born on Christmas Eve 1931 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Annetta was the daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (Donnelly) Ferguson. She graduated from Newark High School (Delaware), then met her husband, Edward J. Dale, while working as a receptionist for Chrysler in Newark. They married on Valentine's Day 1953 and enjoyed almost 50 years together until Ed's death on Christmas Eve 1999.

In addition to her parents and husband, Annetta was predeceased by her sister, Patricia A. Paulson; her brother, Thomas Ferguson; and her son James.

Annetta is survived by her children: Mary Alice, Edward, Stephen, Patricia, John (Cynthia), and Richard (Jane); five grandchildren: Julia, whom she lovingly raised, Marissa (David), Lindsay (Nicholas), Christopher, and Alexander; eight great-grandchildren: Jordan, Logan, Alisan, Joshua, Elisabeth, Caleb, Sojourn, and Annika.

The family is grateful to Adriana Singles for providing care and friendship for Annetta in her final two years.

Annetta's greatest joy came from spending time with her family and close friends. She worked at Winterthur Museum for some time, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. In her earlier years, she found pleasure in dancing (the jitterbug was her favorite), reading, solving jigsaw puzzles, playing card games, and vacationing at the Jersey shore.

She loved New York City, and she had a wonderful time traveling with friends to Ireland and Scotland. More recently, she looked forward to family vacations in Dewey and Rehoboth beaches.

Annetta will be remembered as a loving and affectionate wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; for her sense of humor and infectious laugh and smile; and for her friendliness and kindness to all.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11 A.M. at St. Matthew Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, where friends and family are invited to the visitation starting at 10 A.M. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Matthew Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713.