The Moran family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Marguerite Dale Moran. Despite the best medical care, Dale passed peacefully on May 5, 2021. Dale was the daughter of the late Robert Emmett Moran and Jocelyn Beard Moran of Potomac, MD.

Dale was a graduate of Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, MD. Although she attended post-secondary school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, and, worked in a bank during her professional career, her hobbies and interests were her real passions.

Anyone who knew Dale knows that she loved all creatures great and small. Her early years were spent riding horses both for recreation and at a competitive level. Over the years, she also opened her home to several cats that she loved dearly like a mother loves her children. She found joy from animals everywhere she went and would stop mid-stride to listen to a bird sing or watch a rabbit hop by.

Dale was an avid art enthusiast. In addition to volunteering at the National Gallery of Art for many years, she frequently visited the art museums in Washington, DC with her family. She encouraged them to look at art both up close, and, from far away by stepping back several feet from the piece. This is how Dale lived her life as well. She had a great appreciation for taking a close look at things, asking questions, learning, and, paying great attention to the details. But, she also could take a step back to listen to and try to understand others' opinions. There was no shortage of interesting conversation when Dale was in the room.

Dale loved the ocean and being around water. She could sit all day on the beach watching the waves, soaking up the sunshine, and breathing in the salty air. She especially loved beach trips with family that she had taken many times throughout her life.

Whether it be a visit to an art museum, seeing a movie, or watching a Wizards game, no outing with Dale was complete without sharing a meal. She was a food connoisseur who was always on the quest for the perfect filler-free crab cake and the crispiest fried chicken.

We will always remember Dale for her honesty, loyalty, and, "tell it like it is" attitude. Her ability to devote time to the simple things in life are a reminder to us all to slow down and to stop and smell the roses. Dale was preceeded in death by her siblings Bob, Pete, and Tommy. She leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews and their children.

Published by The Washington Post on May 27, 2024.