Mary Alice Dell, nee Newsom, gently passed from this world March 15, 2026 in Santa Maria, California. Born December 22, 1928 in Springfield, Illinois to loving parents George and Alice (Willis) Newsom, she spent her young life traveling throughout the Midwest. She graduated from Illinois State University, majoring in journalism, where she met the love of her life, Harry Nelson Dell, and married, March 10, 1950.
Mary Alice was a devoted wife and mother, though the family and home could not contain her talents and compassion. She organized the first Camp Fire Girls council in Brevard County, Florida and became a mentor to many girls in both Florida and California. She was an accomplished cook and writer, serving as newsletter editors in many organizations. She became an avid boater, camper and backpacker, which with age morphed into RVing and cruising. She and Harry shared a passion for Dixieland Jazz and researching genealogy. She was an enthusiastic member of DAR and Colonial Dames and was proud to have more than one qualifying antecedent.
Mary Alice was preceded out of this mortal coil by her husband Harry, her sister Lucille Oneca Newsom, as well as her parents. She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law: Kathy Dell-Kukawsky and Jay Kukawsky of Arroyo Grande, CA, Barbara and Mark Freie of Camarillo, CA, and Laura Dell and Mike Muller of Rainier, WA. She left six grandchildren: Jesse Simms, Jared Lippert, James Simms, Steven Lippert, Sara Jacobson, and Rachel Lippert; 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Hers was a life well lived.
