Who was Margaret R. Baker?
Margaret Baker’s life was marked by servanthood. She was a generous and kind soul who gave her time, efforts, and means to build up those who came after her. She dedicated decades of her life to providing scholarships for young people throughout Virginia. She served as Executive Director of the Miss Virginia Scholarship Program for 20 years. During that time, two Miss Virginias became Miss Americas and several others won scholarships at the national level.
Thanks to everyone who helped make our 2024 “Star Filled Weekend” in Roanoke a success!
Celebrating and Remembering Dale Bradshaw
Please join us in honoring the extraordinary life of our beloved Miss Virginia board member, Dale Bradshaw, at his Celebration of Life at 2 PM Saturday, January 10, at the Manassas Park Community Center (99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA).
Dale passed about two months ago after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Formal attire is requested—crowns, sequins, banners, and all the sparkle Dale so dearly loved—as we send him heavenward with the joy and pageantry he deserved. A dessert reception and fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Dale’s legacy in two meaningful ways:
Support the Celebration of Life and help with expenses:
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0devyv
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Margaret R. Baker Charitable Foundation, supporting a new $1,500 endowed scholarship created with the Miss Virginia Opportunity. Beginning in 2026, this annual award will honor a Miss Virginia contestant whose character reflects Dale’s compassion, encouragement, and radiant spirit of servant leadership.
Donate by clicking MAKE A DONATION in the header at the top of the website.
Together, we’ll ensure that Dale’s light, love, and kindness continue to shine for generations to come.
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It is with heavy hearts yet steadfast faith that we share the passing of our beloved Miss Virginia board member and director of our Little Sisters – Virginia’s Stars – youth development program, Dale Bradshaw. Dale’s light, love, and unwavering spirit touched countless lives, and while we grieve his loss, we rejoice in knowing that he is now at peace and home with the Lord.
As a trailblazer in numerous pageant and modeling systems for more than 40 years, Dale inspired and uplifted thousands with his boundless enthusiasm, radiant positivity, and servant’s heart. He never met a stranger—only future friends. With every encounter, Dale sought to nurture, encourage, and help others see the beauty and potential within themselves.
Since joining the Miss Virginia Board of Directors in 2024, Dale’s leadership and love for young people transformed our Little Sisters – Virginia’s Stars – program, growing it by nearly 400 percent in just a year and a half. His impact extended far beyond Virginia. As a local director, he guided Cassie Donegan, who became Miss Virginia’s Teen 2013, later a Top 5 national finalist, and most recently, was crowned Miss America 2026, representing her adopted state of New York.
Before Dale’s tenure with Miss Virginia, he was part of the Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization, serving in several volunteer capacities, including business manager for Miss Maryland. His life and light touched thousands of people all along the Eastern seaboard. HIs legacy will live on in every life he touched—with every smile, every act of kindness, and every dream he helped spark.
During the 2025 Miss Virginia Competition week, we honored Dale with the Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing his deep commitment to excellence and growth with our Little Sisters – Virginia’s Stars – program.
Dale’s legacy will live on in every life he touched—with every smile, every act of kindness, and every dream he helped spark.
We will share details soon about the Celebration of Life that will honor Dale’s remarkable journey and faith-filled spirit. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his husband, Lee Shadwick, and to his family and close friends, especially those who lovingly stood by his side throughout his courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Rest in peace, dear Dale, until we meet again
What is The Margaret R. Baker Charitable Foundation, Inc.?
The Margaret R. Baker Charitable Foundation Inc., is an organization named after Margaret Baker, who was one of Roanoke, Virginia’s foremost civic leaders. We are dedicated to providing the resources for the best of our next generation to succeed. We provide meaningful scholarships and help young people further their education to become engaged citizens in the community through our tax-deductible organization.
Why do we exist?
This foundation is dedicated to Margaret’s legacy. This organization awards scholarships that are payable to educational institutions on behalf of deserving young adults who are in good standing at their colleges or universities in order to help them flourish. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is committed to providing these scholarships for today’s young people so they can become the successful leaders of tomorrow!