Dale A. Bona, 71

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Dale Ann (Reimer) Bona, 71, of Clarksburg, Mass., died on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center. 

She was born in North Adams, Mass., on August 14, 1946, a daughter of Morton S. and Dorothy (Phelps) Reimer. She attended local schools, graduating from Drury High School with the class of 1964. She went on to graduate from LaBarron Beauty School in Pittsfield, Mass.

Mrs. Bona owned her own beauty shop in Clarksburg, Dale’s Beauty Salon, and later taught cosmetology for many years at McCann Technical High School in North Adams. She adored her students and continued to mentor many of them long after they left her classroom.

She was last employed at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire Service Group until her retirement. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of North Adams for over 50 years. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed cooking and sewing. 

Survivors include her husband, Alfred “Fred” Bona, whom she married on May 15, 1965. She also leaves her daughter, Carrie Bona of Pittsfield; two brothers, Douglas M. Reimer and Keith B. Reimer, both of Texas; as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Dale and Fred became committed advocates for people with disabilities 50 years ago when their beloved daughter, Carrie, was born. They learned to partner with people who could be resources for her: other parents and children who were living with disabilities, medical and communication specialists, public-school system, as well as local and state officials. When Carrie grew into adulthood they became a part of Nonotuck Resource Associates. Dale and Fred helped shape the vision of shared living; empowering people with the support of their family and friends to choose where and with whom they would live.

Funeral notice: A funeral service to celebrate the life of Dale Bona will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 131 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Donations in her memory be made to the First Baptist Church of North Adams.