Dale Bracken

Dale Stephens Bracken, 75, of Sanford, NC, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on July 17 after an extended illness. A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 22, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home, 509 Carthage Street, Sanford.

She was predeceased by her daughters Melissa (Missy) Stephens Bracken and Susan (Sue) Bracken Dowd and her father Roy Craven Stephens. Surviving are her mother Hazel Stephens, her brother Jerry Stephens, her daughters Dawn Gladden (Allen), Jennifer Bracken (Michalis Mourtzis), and Amy Wolfe (Bryan), and her grandchildren Evan Barker, Abby Barker, Allie Degleris, Claire Degleris, and Nicholas Mourtzis. She dearly loved her caregivers Dorie, Beth, and Audrey.

Dale was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Being a nanny came naturally to Dale due to her lifelong love of children. She was also a health care provider, a teacher, and a volunteer. She was a fabulous cook and avid gardener, who was passionate about home designing and decorating. Her house was always open to her loved ones. Her generous and loving spirit, uniqueness, creativity, and big heart drew people to her and will always be remembered. There was never a dull moment around Dale.

Charitable contributions can be made to any Lee County school, specifically for art supplies.