Evelyn Dalton

Jackie Dalton was named Evelyn Cordelia Hall when she was born in San Francisco on August 27, 1924. She was the first born daughter of Hilda Marion Sunell, of Finish descent, and Leonard Jay Hall, of Scottish and English descent. Soon thereafter the family left San Francisco and after several moves, they lived in Boulder, Colorado, where Leonard operated a feed store. Five years later, in 1929, Jackie's sister Lora was born. Two years later, Hilda left the family. Subsequently, her father married Clara. Jackie was an excellent student, who loved going to the library. As a result, she developed a life long love of reading. She loved and was loved by Granny, her father's mother. Her grandfather died when she was young. At the age of 16, Jackie left home and took the bus from Colorado to Toledo where she joined her mother, Hilda. She graduated from high school there. She was excited that the Glen Miller band played at her senior prom. After graduation, she moved with her mother to Cleveland. Soon thereafter, she met her to be husband, Calvin B. Dalton. Cal and a friend were waiting for the light to change at 9th and Euclid. Cal saw an attractive young woman and asked his friend to introduce him. Although the friend did not know Jackie, he said hello and that he wanted to introduce him to his friend, Cal Dalton. Too embarrassed to have the others waiting for the light think that she talked to strangers, Jackie said how nice it was to meet him. When the light changed, she started walking across the street. Cal shouted, "Hey, Jack, how about joining me for a Coke." Jackie, who had never mentioned her name, turned around and asked Cal how he knew it. He replied that he would tell her when she joined him. She did. It turned out that he did not know her name and just as a whim used the name Jack. Although Jackie's real name was Evelyn, her father had wanted a boy and he always referred to her as Jack. She was called Jack or Jackie from the time she was a young girl. Cal asked to meet Jackie's mother. He asked Hilda for permission to date her daughter. Hilda agreed and the two began to date. The romance was interrupted by Jackie's decision to go to Duke. She spent one semester there. Then Cal was drafted into the army. Jackie gave up college to marry Cal. They were married on January 1, 1944. Cal worked his way through high school and college by leading a band, The Cal Dalton Band. The band had bookings every night through December 31, 1943. Hence the January 1 wedding date. Cal was assigned to a unit in Dayton, Ohio and so the couple moved there, where Cal worked on the Manhattan project. Soon Jackie was pregnant. Shortly before delivery, she moved back to Cleveland to live with Cal's parents. Their first child, Jane Leslie Dalton, was born in St. Luke's Hospital. Jane Leslie and Jackie continued to live with Cal's parents while Cal finished out his military service in Dayton. When Cal returned to Cleveland, the couple moved to 1044 Elbon Road in Cleveland Heights. Soon thereafter, in 1946, their second daughter, Nancy Carolyn Dalton was born, followed by their third child and first son, C. Scott Dalton in 1950. The family moved to 23770 Duffield Road in Shaker Heights. A third daughter, Joann was born in 1953 and the second son, Malcolm Byron was born in 1962. Jackie was a member of the Junior League, a volunteer at Rainbow Children's Hospital and an active member of the bowling league. Throughout this time, Jackie was a mother who encouraged and cared for her children. She loved to cook the family favorites and to try new recipies. In 1964 the family moved to 19010 Shaker Boulevard in Shaker Heights. There she became an avid tennis player, which continued as long as she was able. In 1978, after Cal was diagnosed with colon cancer, they moved to Walden, where Jackie was very happy. She continued with tennis and played bridge with the neighbors in a league. Cal died on January 17, 1980. Before his passing he and Jackie traveled in Europe, Mexico and in the Mediterranean. After his death, Jackie continued to travel to India, Greece, Mexico and other destinations. She enjoyed visiting her children, assisting at the care of her grandchildren and attending various graduations. At Walden, Jackie was the loving guardian of her dachshund Alex, who brought her much joy. She also was a frequent contributor to animal refuges. In 2001, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Jackie moved to Judson and then in 2005 to Sunrise Assisted Living of Shaker Heights, Ohio, where she received excellent medical care and loving attention. The family is particularly grateful to Kathy Keefe for her devotion to and care of Jackie. She was loved by her family and will be deeply missed. Jackie died July 29th, 2009, at Sunrise. Jackie is survived by her loving family. She was the dear mother of Jane Leslie Dalton Thomas Holly of Philadelphia, PA, Nancy D. Perkson Howard N., Jr. of Whitinsville, MA, Calvin Scott Dalton and Joann Dalton, both of Portland, OR and Malcolm Byron Dalton Jill of Cleveland Hts., OH. Jackie was the dear grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 15. She was also the dear sister of Lora Nix Joe of Queens Valley, AZ. The family suggests that those who wish may make contributions in her name to The Alzheimers Association, PO Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194. MEMORIAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD 12 NOON, MONDAY, AUGUST 3 AT BROWN-FORWARD FUNERAL HOME , 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH WHERE FRIENDS MAY CALL SUNDAY AUGUST 2 FROM 4-6 PM. Family interment services will be held in Crown Hill Cemetery, Twinsburg, OH. BROWN-FORWARD SERVICE 216 752-1200


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