Delia M. DeMaso

Delia M. DeMaso, affectionately known as "Dee," passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of education, community service, and dedication to family and friends. She was born on January 16, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Eliseo L. DeMaso and Maria (DeLorenzo) DeMaso. The youngest of six children, she grew up alongside her brothers, James and Renzi, and her sisters, Madeline, Jane, and Dora, in a home filled with love, learning, and a strong commitment to their Italian heritage.

Dee excelled academically from an early age, demonstrating a passion for learning that was nurtured by her supportive family and dedicated teachers. A gifted student, she won a kite-making contest, was a spelling champion in fourth grade, and earned recognition for her mastery of multiplication facts. Her outstanding handwriting skills were rewarded with a Palmer Method pin and certificate. She found joy in games like tennis, croquet, board games, checkers, and Chinese checkers, often playing with family and friends.

She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1950, where she was an active member of the Writer’s Club and contributed to the school newspaper, the "Key." Through the Pan American Club, she established pen friendships across Europe and Asia, reflecting her early interest in global cultures.

Continuing her academic pursuits, Dee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Fine Arts from Western Michigan University, where she received a Spanish recognition award in her senior year. She later obtained her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education from WMU in 1961. Over a distinguished 35-year teaching career, she taught at Springfield, Franklin, LaMora Park, Wilson, and Coburn schools in Battle Creek. As a supervising teacher, she mentored 15 future educators from Western Michigan University and Michigan State University. She also served as past President and Secretary of the Springfield Faculty Association, always advocating for quality education.

Dee’s commitment to education was recognized with the prestigious "George Award" in 1985 for her willingness to go above and beyond in her work. She was a charter member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, joining at the age of 10, and was actively involved in church life throughout her years. She participated in the St. Frances Women’s Guide and numerous church committees. She initiated St. Joseph Day on March 19 as an annual breakfast celebration and actively contributed to Christmas projects for the Hispanic community alongside her sister, Dora.

An enthusiastic traveler, Dee explored Europe, particularly Northern Italy, where her family's roots in the Dolomite Mountain Region near Belluno connected her to her heritage. She also visited Mexico, Central America, and various U.S. destinations.

Beyond education, Dee was deeply involved in numerous community organizations. She was past President of the International Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators and was honored as a Woman of Distinction. She served in leadership roles for the International Childhood Education Association and the Battle Creek Education Association, among others. She played an instrumental role in civic engagement, organizing the "Meet Your Candidates" event at Burnham Brook Center for local and state elections.

Dee's passion for her Italian heritage led her to serve as President of Club Italia and as its newsletter editor for eight years. She and Dora arranged a special trip for members to attend a Luciano Pavarotti concert in Detroit. Additionally, Dee and Dora co-authored the Club Italia Cookbook, featuring 400 Italian recipes and contributions from esteemed figures such as Governor Ella Grasso of Connecticut and local dignitaries.

In retirement, Dee remained active in community service, co-managing three Friendship Centers in Springfield and Lakeview for 12 years. She founded (SPEAK) Springfield’s Pride, Effort, and Concern group, bringing the community together to address local issues. She also organized book sales and plant donations from the Leila Arboretum to beautify parks and neighborhoods.

She authored two books during her retirement years: The Awesome Apple and A to Z Cookbook for Kids. She generously donated these books as gifts to family, friends, schools, and public libraries, further enriching the lives of young readers.

Her efforts extended to senior citizens, where she successfully advocated for absentee ballots, wheelchair ramps, and "Meals on Wheels" funding for seniors in need. She was honored with the Michigan Senior Citizen Leadership Award in 2001, sponsored by Consumers Energy, and used her $500 award to expand the Caregiver’s Library at Burnham Brook Center.

Dee was instrumental in donating an art piece titled The Prime Field to Sangren Hall at Western Michigan University. Designed and engineered by Battle Creek Lakeview and WMU graduate Paul Marquardt, the piece is located in the foyer, creating an inspiring environment for learning.

A lover of fashion, Dee delighted in shopping for stylish clothes and home decor. She took great pleasure in decorating her home, classroom, and community spaces, and she was well-known for her creative holiday treats, including fudge wreaths, figgy pudding, and gift jars of Russian tea mix. A true "idea galore" personality, she always found ways to brighten the lives of those around her.

Throughout her life, Dee championed education, culture, and civic engagement. She believed in dreams and making them happen, echoing her favorite quote from poet Carl Sandburg: "Nothing happens unless first a dream."

She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, former students, and the many communities she enriched through her boundless energy, generosity, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.

May she rest in peace, knowing her legacy of kindness, education, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Surviving Delia are fifteen nieces and nephews: Dr. Darleen (Daniel) DeMason-Straus, Dr. Marc (Catherine) DeMason, Laif (Zoë) DeMason, James (Jennifer) DeMason, Rhonda DeMason-Hesseltine, Glenn DeMason, Dawn Berry, Deborah (Wayne) Arnold, Terrance DeMaso, Rhonda (James) Hines, Roderick (Greta) DeMaso, Robert (Rebecca) Bonke, John (Pamela) Bonke, Yvonne (Victor) Caamal Canul, and Paul (Katie) Goudreault, as well as many great nieces and nephews and cousins in the United States, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, and many good friends.

A private graveside service will be held at Battle Creek Memorial Park Gate of Heaven, followed by a private Celebration of Life. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family in care of Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation for the Delia M. and Dora D. DeMaso International Fellowship and Travel Scholarship. The family is grateful for the love and support shown during this time.www.henryfuneralhome.org