The most wonderful, caring woman we have ever known has passed from our lives to abide with the lord. Adele Bernadette Kane was born in New York City on November 15, 1924. The family built a home in Arverne, Long Island, New York where Adele resided until her marriage to her life long love, Matt. They met when he washed her hair for a permanent, and then walked her home that evening singing “Moonlight Becomes You”. It was a relationship that grew with each date and was permanently cemented on the Hudson River Senior Boat Ride.
Adele was an Arista Honorary Scholar, was elected Secretary of the Senior Class of Far Rockaway High School in 1943, and, on graduation, was the recipient of the Belding Memorial and the Cooperation in Government Awards. Her Spanish teacher described her “con su sonrisa de diamantes y perlas, y sus piececitos que bailau como angelitos”.
During WWII when he was in the Army Air Force, Matt and Adele wrote daily of their love, hopes, and plans for the future. Following their marriage and six lean but happy years of school, they and their two young children settled in Portland, Oregon.
Adele’s greatest pleasure was to care for her children and Matt. Incredibly, Adele awakened each morning with a smile and spread joy, happiness and approval to all, especially to her husband Matt and her six children, Chris, Bill, Matt, Maureen, Jim, and John.
Adele gave unconditional love; saw the good in everyone; and all who knew her felt her warmth and affection. She passed her love of learning to the children and encouraged them to do their best in their studies.
Adele was happiest when surrounded by her family. She made certain that everyone was “included in the circle”. She was bright and always happy. She loved a good story and would often make comments that would crystallize the concept and often make you laugh.
Adele was blind to any fault and could only see “the good in everyone”.
She was the bright shining star making clear our path.
Matt will now not have the comfort of holding her hand as they said their nightly prayers. Nor will he enjoy the handholding that embodied their constant love throughout their life together.
We draw comfort in the blessed knowledge that our lives here are finite and that we will be with Adele and our Lord for eternity.