Carolyn Dale Lighthall

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1943, Carolyn “Dale” Given was the cherished daughter of Edward and Clara Given and the beloved sister of Edward Given Jr., who survives her.

Dale graduated from Neshaminy High School, where she proudly twirled as part of the Baton team. After graduation, she began her career at a local bank, showcasing her dedication and strong work ethic.

She later married the love of her life, Ralph Lighthall, and together they built a beautiful family, raising four children: Raymond, Ronald, Robin Grodecky, and Renee Nuorimo. Dale found joy and purpose as a homemaker and caregiver. In the early years of her marriage, she opened her home to provide childcare and became Montessori certified, combining her love for education and creativity. Her passion for crafting and nurturing left a lasting impression on the children she cared for and the neighborhood kids who often filled the Lighthall yard with laughter.

In the early 1980s, the Lighthall family relocated to Melbourne, Florida, where Dale worked as a bank teller at Space Coast Credit Union and worked her way up to branch credit manager. She later resigned to focus on providing her children with opportunities to participate in school and extracurricular activities.

Dale was a devoted mother who ensured her children had rich life experiences. She attended countless sporting events and school activities, often volunteering her time and talents. Whether sewing uniforms and costumes or creating Melbourne High School’s first-ever flags for the band’s flag team, Dale brought her boundless creativity and dedication to every project.

Her involvement extended to impressive fundraising efforts, including organizing a successful bowl-a-thon. This endeavor led to her position as a respected league coordinator at the bowling center in the mid-1990s.

When her husband Ralph suffered a massive stroke in 1996, Dale’s unwavering strength and love shone as she dedicated herself to his recovery. Forced into early retirement, the couple embraced their new chapter, reconnecting and enjoying their roles as loving grandparents.

Dale’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged when she joined her son Ron in his business, Lighthall Graphix, where they created logos, apparel, and accessories. After the tragedy of 9/11, Dale designed a vinyl decal to support a fundraiser, raising over $10,000 for the Red Cross.

Dale’s love, generosity, and dedication to her family and community touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by all four of her children and their spouses: Raymond and Dawn Lighthall, Ronald Lighthall and Sara Lapointe, Robin and Jerry Grodecky, Renee and Greg Nuorimo, her grandchildren: Kristin, Rhett, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Cheyanne, Rileigh, Quinn, and Kody; her great-grandchildren: Kaiya, Landon, Ryker, and Stormy, as well as her brother and his wife, Edward and Vickie Given, her niece, Eve Nasby, and great niece, Erica Nasby.