Dale E. Smalley

Dale E. Smalley, 69, of Groton, Connecticut, formerly of Narragansett, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025 at the Fairview Retirement Community in Groton, CT. She was the wife of the late Keith Smalley. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Everett Jackson Sr. and the late Dorothy Metzen.

Dale’s truest gift was the love she shared with her son Shaun and grandson Marcus. It didn’t matter what they were doing and where they were, the love they shared is to be celebrated. She truly lived a life well loved.

A beautiful soul, Dale’s life work giving compassion and kindness for so many of her friends and family; a rock that lifted and supported any and everyone. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, friend, and advocate for many in her life.

Dale had many gifts, but perhaps her most enduring were her kindness, compassion, and resilience. No matter what challenges she faced in her own life, she always had room in her heart for others.

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Dale began her career supporting people with disabilities 44 years ago, and Perspectives was fortunate to have her join the agency not long after. Over the years, Dale proved herself to be a fierce advocate and a tireless supporter of individuals with disabilities, working to ensure that each person received the best services possible.

She played a pivotal role in developing many of the agency’s core services, including specialized group homes, independent apartment programs, Shared Living Arrangements, and Self-Directed Services. Dale never shied away from a challenge, especially if it meant improving the lives of the people she supported.

Her impact extended far beyond the individuals and families she served. Dale shaped the lives of many colleagues across the agency. She often said, “Work for the job you want, not the job you have.” Over her many years at Perspectives, she held many roles, from Direct Support Professional to Director, and eventually Senior Director, always leading by example. She helped define the Core Values and mission of the agency and was a mentor, teacher, and role model to many of today’s leaders.

There was never a task Dale turned away from. Her creativity was essential in finding new and better ways to support people in reaching their goals, whether that meant moving to a new apartment or group home, securing a Shared Living match, or landing their very first Self-Directed Services. She was known to say, “It’s hard work, but extremely rewarding work.”

Dale made a difference in the lives of everyone she worked with: individuals, families, and staff alike. She will be deeply missed. And while there will only ever be one Dale, those who knew her carry a piece of her in their hearts.

In addition to Shaun and Marcus, Dale is survived by her grandchild, Christian, her stepmother Ruth Jackson and her siblings, John Jackson (JoAnn), Robert Jackson (Maria), Karen Burnham (John), Susan O’Leary (Tim), Everett Jackson, Joseph Metzen, Christine Toher, Natalie Rampone, and Claire Jenson (Bill), and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Gloria Zupa.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Cara Matthews, MD at the Women’s Cancer Treatment Center at Women and Infants Hospital and Dr. Michael Kane, Medical Oncologist at Backus Hospital and the Hospice Care Team. Also, the family appreciates the nurses and patient care team who showed compassion and kindness to the family as they navigated through this time. The family also appreciates the support from Fairview in Groton and their skilled nursing care team.

Visitation for Dale will be held Saturday, June 28th, 2025 from 10 AM to 12 PM with a funeral home service to follow at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston.