Dale Salmanson, 70

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Dale Azimow Salmanson, of Providence, Newton, Massachusetts, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, died June 20.

Dale is survived by Jerry Salmanson, her husband of 13 years; her daughter Ilissa Wood Lipworth (Jared) of Potomac, Maryland; her son Ethan Wood (Stefani) of Sharon, Massachusetts; four grandchildren Emma and Alexandra Lipworth and Sadie and Meyer Wood; and her brother Josh Azimow.  Dale will also be lovingly remembered by Jerry’s children, David Salmanson (Debra) of Miami, Florida; and Lauren Salmanson Levin (Jeff) of New York City and their children.

Among her many talents, Dale had the unique ability to make everyone around her feel special and loved.  Her compassion, kindness and positivity made her a cherished friend, and her warmth and energy made her unforgettable to all who knew her.  Above all, Dale was a beacon of selfless and unwavering commitment to her family.  In times of joy and pain, she provided strength, resilience, confidence, humor and wisdom for her children, her husband and everyone else she touched.

Dale was born to Esther Himmel Azimow and Isaac “Ike” Azimow on Feb. 10, 1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She graduated from Hazelton High School in 1967 and from Boston University in 1971.  She earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Suffolk University in 1971 and taught for several years in the Boston area. She earned a second master’s degree in public relations from Boston University’s College of Communication in 1990.  She held a variety of professional roles, from assistant producer of the WBZ-TV Boston news show to marketing for companies in the beauty and home furnishings industries. 

Dale was a longstanding member of Temple Beth Avodah in Newton.  She was president of the Temple Sisterhood in the 1980s and volunteered for many charitable causes.  Dale also channeled her love of Broadway into directing many memorable theater productions at her children’s schools and at the temple. 

Dale’s peaceful passing comes after a five-year battle with a rare form of dementia.  Her family fought alongside her and offer their endless appreciation to the caregivers who kept her safe and to the doctors who are so committed to putting an end to this tragic disease.

Donations may be made in her memory to the MGH FTD Unit, mail to: Alexandra Van Strien, Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Ste. 540, Boston, MA 02114.  Gifts may also be made online: https://Giving.MassGeneral.org/FTDUnit.