Edith Dimney Chandler LaSalla of Raleigh, NC died at home on August 15, 2014 as gently and as peacefully as she lived. Born in Durham County, NC, she was the youngest and last surviving child of the nine children born to Lucullus Cassius Chandler and Alice Marshall Chandler.
Dimney was introduced to the love of her life, the dashing Manhattan-born Army Lieutenant, Dominic LaSalla, at a USO dance at Camp Butner. Following separation from military service after WWII, Dimney and Dom settled in Raleigh. Two daughters and a son soon followed, creating a faith-filled home full of love, laughter, music, and excellent food. Dimney was a talented seamstress and cook. Born a Southern cook, Dimney quickly mastered the art of Italian cooking, and her family delighted in knowing all foods made in Dimney’s kitchen were created from scratch accompanied by the genuine pleasure of feeding others.
Dimney and Dom attended Sacred Heart Cathedral and were founding members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in 1953. Dimney was the first president of the St. Bernadette Altar Guild and served as an active member for over 60 years. She also served as the first president of the Oxford Park Garden Club. In addition, Dimney was a devoted volunteer for the American Cancer Society and for many years enjoyed membership in the Ladies Reserve Officers’ Association.
Dimney was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Dominic Robert LaSalla and her beloved son, Michael Anthony LaSalla. Surviving to cherish her memory are daughters, Susan Alice LaSalla of Washington, DC and Mary Dimney LaSalla Davis (Peter Radford Davis, Jr.) of Raleigh; four grandchildren, Catherine Davis Rideout (William Blanchard Rideout), Brendan LaSalla Davis, Andrew Radford Davis (Emily Rauer Davis) and Nicholas Chandler Davis (Lindsay Pelone Davis); five great-grandchildren, Dimney Louise Rideout, Mary Susan Rideout, Chandler Catherine Rideout, Michael Radford Davis and Peter Robert Davis. Many nieces and nephews also survive whose affection and love brought abundant joy to Dimney’s life.
Dimney was surrounded by many angels in her life. Our family gratefully acknowledges the kindness of neighbors and friends of all ages who so lovingly enjoyed time spent with Dimney. She truly delighted in each and every visit. Most especially, we extend heartfelt appreciation to Betty Lewis, Dimney’s caregiver and guardian angel. Dimney’s final months and days were also guided tenderly by the compassionate earth angels of both The Oaks at Mayview and Transitions LifeCare.
It is with thankful hearts that we celebrate the blessing of Dimney’s life. She taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren well, guiding by example and loving unconditionally. With God’s grace, we will honor her legacy as we continue striving to live meaningful lives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on August 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral. A private burial at Montlawn Memorial Park will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare (formerly Hospice of Wake County), 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605, (919)828-4311
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