Neither Wife nor Widow

Photo of Dale Ruth Sherburne

About the Author

Dale Ruth Sherburne is a Maine native who raised two daughters with her husband, Russ, in an 1850s farmhouse with a menagerie of beloved pets. Her degree in child psychology led to directing special education services for preschool children with disabilities. Nature and animals are her passions, along with lakeside getaways, books, crafts, practical jokes, and finding joy among friends and family.

Newspaper Op-Eds
Saluting our Alzheimer’s Caregivers on the Longest Day | Opinion — June 21, 2025
Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel
Portland Press Herald

Watch: Author Discusses Caregiving for Loved One with Alzheimer’s
Television—Good Morning Maine (FOX 22 WFVX Bangor)


Tribute to Russ

This book lovingly honors Russ, my husband, and father to our daughters, Holly and Heidi. Family names are used throughout the book in proud tribute to the intelligent, generous, kind, and funny man that he was. There is no shame, no secrecy, in his having Alzheimer’s disease. Anonymity only perpetuates the social taboo associated with dementia. Below are a few family photos—all but the first two taken during our journey with Alzheimer’s. Read Russ’s obituary.

  • Photograph of Russ and Dale
    Russ and I shortly after we met at the University of Maine. See “Tribute to Russ” and “Our Story” on pages xii and xiii of the book.
  • Our family of four sitting on the rocks on the Maine coast.
    A family outing on the Maine coast well before signs of dementia appeared.
  • Photo of Russ and Dale standing with his sister.
    Russ and I visiting his sister in Las Vegas when Russ was 68. See the four stories “The Trip” on pages 129-136.
  • Photo of Dale and Russ standing on the front steps of a house.
    Russ and I on the front steps of our newly constructed dream home. See the story “House Plans” on page 9 and many of the ensuing stories.
  • Photo of Dale and Russ next to the back of a car full of bags for Meals on Wheels delivery.
    Russ and I delivering Meals on Wheels. See the story “The Stereo, Part One—Uh-Oh” on page 166.
  • Russ holding his grandson in his arms.
    Russ enjoying time with his new grandson who he loved so dearly.
  • A family photo
    Thanksgiving dinner at the first dementia care facility.
  • Photo of Russ holding a large ball and surrounded by young children.
    Russ loved children. See the story “Tenderness” on page 284. This photo was taken at the second dementia care facility and posted on their Facebook page.