Dana Dimock

Dana Dimock, age 74, passed away on Thursday evening, July 3, 2025 at the Wellspring Memory Care unit of Juniper Village Assisted Living in Newark DE (formerly known as The Vero.)

Dana was born in Hartford, CT to Richard Fisk Dimock and Nancy Bantly Dimock (Alesbury). Dana grew up in rural Bolton CT. She graduated from Bates College (Lewiston ME) in 1972. She met her husband, Rich Bayer, in Social Psychology class in January 1971. Rich claims he remembers exactly where she was sitting and what she was wearing when he first met her. They married in August 1973 and moved to Newark DE where Rich was accepted by the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Delaware.

Dana had 4 separate careers in Newark, excelling in all four. She started with the New Castle County Recreation Department setting up specialized recreation programs for children with handicapping conditions. She later moved to the City of Newark as an administrative assistant and ultimately became responsible for managing the City’s Community Development and Housing grant program. Following the birth of her third child Dana became a stay-at-home mother, encouraging the children to read, play cooperatively, and develop their own unique skills. As the children entered public school Dana became very active as a volunteer in the classroom, PTAs, and numerous school district committees. When her youngest child graduated from Newark High School, Dana was given a special award from the Christina Board of Education for Outstanding Service to the Students and Programs of the School District. After that, Dana began her 4th career, as a tutor for middle school and high school students, focusing on reading and language skills, then preparation for SATs and college selection and application.

Dana is survived by her husband of 52 years, Rich Bayer. Dana and Rich raised 3 wonderful children: Jared (Jed), Morgan, and Leigh. Jed and wife Rita Murphy have 3 daughters: Grace, Mila, and Ellie. Morgan and husband Michael Pohorylo have 2 sons: Alex and Adam. Leigh and husband Matthew Fox have 4 children: Jackson, Sophia, Vivian, and Nancy. The children, spouses and grandchildren were such a source of pleasure and pride for Dana and Rich. The richness they brought to our lives cannot be measured.

Dana also leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law Patty and Steve Heitmeyer, who were loved for their active involvement in the Dimock-Bayer family. They were the catalysts for many memorable Outer Banks summer vacations. More recently Patty was Dana’s personal shopper when Dana was no longer able to shop for herself, providing Dana with a full wardrobe for every season.

A special thanks must be mentioned for the staff of the Vero / Juniper at Newark – the administrative / management staff of the facility and especially the direct care staff of the Wellspring Memory Care Program – not only did they provide care, but they provided “caring,” especially during Dana’s final days.

Dana and her family have received tremendous support over the years from many caring individuals. Particularly, her cousin Deb Zeppa has been a constant source of encouragement, frequently checking in and keeping other relatives informed. Jackie Baldwin from Home Instead provided nearly four years of friendly and dedicated care to Dana. At Christiana Care’s Swank Center of Memory Care, Dr. James Ellison, Nurse Practitioner Michelle Ritona, and Dr. Jackie Arenz delivered expert memory and behavioral care. Additionally, Dr. Mellisa Morgan-Gouveia and Nurse Practitioner Cherie DeMerchant from Primary Care at Home visited Dana regularly, offering compassionate medical support. During Dana’s final five months, the nurses from Access Hospice, Julia and Jade, were invaluable to both Dana and Rich.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A memorial service will begin at 11 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main Street, Newark DE.

Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for Dana, may live stream the service via zoom by clicking here, meeting ID:  858 7870 7485, Passcode:  551716.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking here.