Alice Jean Dale, 75, of Indianapolis, died on April 2 with her family by her side. As a badass feminist, she fittingly chose Equal Pay Day to finish her fight with metastatic breast cancer. Born in Camden, New Jersey, Jean had a 37-year career as an elementary and middle school 
teacher and learning disabilities specialist. In retirement, she trained student teachers as an adjunct faculty member at Rowan University, served as president of her local school board, and tutored adults learning to read.
Jean was driven by her passion for women’s equality, which for her was rooted in education. Most notably, she was a 13-year member of PEO International, which promotes educational opportunities for women; when she moved to Indianapolis in 2013, she joined a local PEO chapter and served as president for more than two years. She poured herself into Indianapolis civic life, joining the Indianapolis Women’s Club, Readers Roundtable, the Assistance League of Indianapolis, and the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church social justice Bible study class. She volunteered with Indy Reads, the Hillary Clinton campaign, and Women4Change Indiana, where she focused on issues of gerrymandering. In her “spare time,” she also worked in what she called “a dress shop,” more commonly known as J. Jill.
While in New Jersey, Jean served as president of the Leonia Teachers Union and volunteered with the American Association of University Women and PFLAG and served as a court mediator. She ran for Elmer Borough Council, losing by 14 votes, but she considered it a victory because she was able to help numerous residents who had previously been disenfranchised register to vote.
Jean enjoyed taking cruises with her husband and traveling with “her girls,” including a trip last summer to Iceland and Amsterdam and a few years prior to France.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Michael Roberts Dale, as well as her sister and parents. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Dale (Sarah Anderson) of Seattle and her granddaughter Tam Anderson-Dale of Seattle.
Services will be held on Monday, April 8 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 7171 N. Pennsylvania St. Visitation will begin at 2 pm, with a service to follow at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jean’s honor to Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-indiana-kentucky) or PEO International (www.peointernational.org).
Jennie. Brown says
I am truly sorry for the passing of your Mom. I went to school and graduated with Mom. I have many nice memoirs of Jean.
James Davidson says
An inspiration to all that were lucky enough to know her.
May she rest in peace
Barbara Harper Davidson says
This truly is such a loss. Loved jean so much. Sincere and sad condolences. She was a great lady!!
Barbara Davidson
kevin stinson says
Rest in Peace ! A nice women , friend and colleague
Judy Schumer says
I am so saddened by your mom’s death! She was a wonderful colleague and friend. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Susan Pawlick says
A dear friend, a trusted colleague, a beautiful mother and wife. Jean was everything and more to so many of us who sought her guidance and support. She taught me so much, kept me on my toes, and made me a stronger woman and a better teacher. My condolences to you, Elizabeth. Be forever inspired by your mother’s example, one of true courage and compassion.
Karen Duvall says
It was a sincere pleasure to have known and worked with your mom. She was a phenomenal woman. May your memories give you comfort.
Marguerite Maciver says
A good friend to everyone who shared her recipes with me. A deep loss, thinking of you Liz!
Paula Schinski says
Dear Sarah and Elizabeth although I’ve never met you I knew your mother and your father very well through my sister Marilyn Bernstein. Do you and Mike will never be forgotten they were at dynamic duo so giving and caring I feel fortunate to have known her and your dad. She somebody that’s hard to forget. I hope she finds peace and is holding hands with your dad again. Again My sincerest condolences Paula Moskowitz Schinski
Katherine Tyler Scott says
Jean was such a warm, caring civic leader with a passion for fairness. I loved her calm but firm manner when expressing her convictions. We had several candid conversations about them that I treasure. She was fun and funny as well as intelligent and reflective. Those of us who knew her through The Indianapolis Woman’s Club will miss her.
Fran Lazerov says
I can’t believe I’ll never see her again. She accomplished more in her life on Earth than most people wouid if they had 100 lifetimes! In addition to her many contributions to society, she would walk a neighbor’s dog, entertain in her home, make delicious jams, among other sumptuous treats. I could go on forever. To say I’ll miss her would be the understatement of the century. Rest In Peace, dear friend and neighbor, from Fran Lazerov.
Nancy Christy says
My deepest sympathy…Jean was always a lot of fun and I enjoyed knowing her. With much love, Nancy Christy.
Jim Gleich says
Jean was such a dear friend. We shared so many fun times together. I’m so saddened by her passing. My deepest and most sincere condolences.
Bernice Reesbeck says
She touched so many lives that she will shine through her family, friends, and those she helped. My condolences. It was an honor to know her.
Elaine Dame says
I enjoyed reading about your Mom’s incredible life. She seemed to have lived it to the fullest!
Vicki Prock says
I only knew Jean a short time I worked with her at JJill Very sweet woman. So sorry to hear of her passing. Sincere condolences to the family
May God Rest her soul
She will be missed
Darrell Brown says
I am truly sorry for your loss; please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the family will find comfort and strength in Jesus promise, along with our Heavenly Father Jehovah, of the earthly resurrection, found at John 5:28, 29, when death will be eliminated forever (Revelations 21:4). Truly, what a glorious, and almost unbelievable day that will be! It’s a reality though, for God cannot lie!
Carlotta Ledbetter says
I meet her at Asbury Church, she was a beautiful lady and very sweet. I will miss her very much. Amen
Ruth Hansen says
Elizabeth and Sarah, I count myself blessed that I was able to spend some time with you and Jean last summer. My heart is with you all. May her memory be a blessing.
Suzy Reed says
I have only known Jean for about about a year, but have truly enjoyed my conversations with her. She was a very passionate, talented, and interesting lady, …and I will truly miss her! I was looking forward to traveling with her to Montgomery, Alabama on the Civil Rights Tour, and was so sad that she became ill and could not go. Her death came as a shock to me, and to many who knew her. She left too soon! My condolences to her family and friends. Jean will truly be missed. May she Rest in Peace!
Cynthia Fisher says
To Jean’s family, I am saddened to learn of her passing. It was my pleasure to know her as a fellow member of Indianapolis Woman’s Club. We often sat together at luncheons and I learned of her interesting and productive life. I will miss her.