Dea Cadwallader

Dea Bjerg Cadwallader, age 94 of Gainesville, FL passed away on February 17,2026 at Magnolia Ridge Rehab Facility. Dea was born in New York City on March 24,1931.Dea moved to Miami,Florida ,at a young age with her Mother Astrid and Brother Paul Bjerg. Dea graduated from Miami Edison High School and attended Florida State University. Dea made Gainesville her home in 1964.
Dea shared 68 years of marriage with her husband, Philip (Sam) Cadwallader Jr. until his passing in 2019.Together they raised four children Stephen, Stephanie, Valerie and Philip Cadwallader. Dea found lasting fulfillment in motherhood .Dea’s greatest pride and joy was her family, and she cherished her special friendships with people who were like family .Her home was the center of countless gatherings, especially for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmases, which she always made into special occasions. Dea was a member of First Methodist Church of Gainesville and participated in youth activities with her children. Dea was a stay at home Mom, but found time later in life to foster children, work retail sales and help her husband with his business.
Dea will be remembered for her warmth, her optimism, her friendly sprit, and the way she made everyone feel welcome in her home. Most of all she will be remembered for the deep love she had for her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Cadwallader ,son Philip Cadwallader III,a daughter, Valerie C. Kahn. She is survived by her children Matthew Stephen (Jane) Cadwallader, Stephanie C (Dr. W. Henry) Barber, daughter-in-law Natalie Cadwallader , son-in-law Bernard Kahn D.D.S.,her grandchildren, Megan B. (Travis) Conner, Dr. W. Henry (Mandy) Barber V, Samuel (Katie) Barber, Kyle B. Cadwallader, Kristi C.(Jonathan) Whitney, Alexander W. Kahn, Brooke C.(Mark) Sumell , and Stephanie L. Cadwallader, and eight great grandchildren. Interment February 26,2026, at 11:30 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 22405 West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 472 5361 www.milamfh.com