Suzanne Budenhagen D’Alba, ’60

Much of the civic pride and community tradition known in Oakfield today started with Sue D’Alba in the 1970s.

Co-founder of the Oakfield Betterment Committee and Oakfield Labor Daze, Sue dedicated her life to making the village better, applying her resourcefulness and infectious enthusiasm for Oakfield and what it could be, transforming our small community and giving it an identity.  Her vision led to starting Labor Daze in 1983 as part of Oakfield’s 125th anniversary, and building the gazebo in Triangle Park. 

Sue was a self-employed hairdresser, building her clientele widely of homebound customers, many of whom were unable to drive themselves.  She would also do hair at nursing homes and local mortuaries, fulfilling one of her missions by bringing dignity to people, even in death.

Sue passed away in 1989 from kidney cancer.  In recognition of Sue’s founding roles in so much that is Oakfield, a marker with her name and picture was placed “in loving memory” in front of the gazebo in Triangle Park. It was officially submitted to the Historical Marker Database on May 6, 2022.  Sue is also included on the village of Oakfield “Back in Time” mural on the corner of Maple Avenue and Main Street.