Veronica "Vernie" Dale

Veronica A. Dale “Vernie” passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the age of 81. A woman of unwavering faith, a passionate advocate for social justice, and a loving matriarch, she leaves behind a legacy of service, creativity, and profound impact on the many lives she touched.

For over 25 years, Vernie served as a coordinator with Christian Services at St. Michael’s Catholic Community, where she championed social justice through various church initiatives. Her work reflected her deep commitment to faith-driven action and compassion for others. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of Magdala book group and the Detroit Working Writers, where she found joy in sharing her love of literature and storytelling.

A gifted author and entrepreneur, Vernie founded Nika Press, LLC, her own book publishing company. She held several copyrights for her works and published seven books, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. She was deeply involved in the Christian Family Movement and the International Confederation of Christian Family Movement, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to strengthening families and communities through faith and fellowship.

Vernie’s adventurous spirit and love of discovery led her to travel extensively. She explored the ancient wonders of Egypt, the rich cultures of Thailand and Turkey, the natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands, the historic charm of Malta, and countless other destinations around the globe.

A true lover of nature, Vernie found peace and joy in gardening and walking nature trails. She delighted in the beauty of the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. Her diverse tastes in music and an ever-growing stack of books reflected her boundless intellectual curiosity.

Above all, Vernie cherished her family. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, finding happiness in watching them grow and thrive. Her love, encouragement, and enduring faith will remain a guiding light in their lives.

Vernie was the loving wife of the late Thomas. The beloved mother of Francine Heatley (David), Jason (Kathy), Martha Olijnyk (John), and Jesse (Erika). The cherished grandmother of Tyler, Ryan, Alexander, Maksim and Shiloh. She was the dear sister of Margaret Kaminski and was preceded in death by her parents John and Gertrude Kaminski.

A Memorial Gathering for Vernie will be held Sunday, January 19, 202 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township. A Funeral Mass will occur Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30 am St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights. Friends may visit the church on Monday starting at 9:00 am.

In memory of Vernie, donations are appreciated to:

The Nature Conservancy

https://preserve.nature.org/page/81369/donate/1?chain

4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100

Arlington, Virginia 22203-1606

Phone: 703-841-5300

St. Michael Catholic Community – Ladder Fund to help needy families

If you want to help with this outreach, checks may be made out to St. Michael Catholic Community, with Ladder Fund on the memo line, and mailed to: St. Michael Christian Service 40501 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Phone: (586) 247-0020