Adella G. Urban

Adella G. Urban, 75, of Columbia, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, at Hartford Hospital, following a short illness. She was born in Hartford, November 14, 1933, to William Gillette and Marion Waldron Gillette. She was the second of ten children. She graduated from Newington High School Class of 1951 and received numerous certificates in continuing education in municipal government. She grew up in Newington, lived in Southington and Cromwell before settling in Columbia in 1964. Adel held numerous jobs; secretary to the Selectmen in Columbia 1967-1971, news correspondent for the Hartford Courant 1972-1982, Planning/Building Department Town of Mansfield 1981-1985, First Selectman in Columbia 1985-2003, and was currently employed by the Manchester Law Firm of Marte, Keith, Falkenstein, Sullivan, Meggers & Paul, P.C. Her greatest achievement in life was her family. She is survived by Richard Jr. & Cheryl Urban of Windham, Andrew & Kathleen Urban of Canton; Marisa & Alan Schumann of Cromwell; Stefan & Cheryl Urban of Columbia; and Christian Urban & Cara Tomlinson of Columbia. Ten grandchildren: Jennifer Cooley & husband Ross; Meagan Harkins & husband Raymond; Sarah Urban & Phil Lombino; Jessica Urban-Jack & husband Aaron; Brian Urban, Danielle Urban, Matthew Schumann, Katie Schumann, Colby Urban, Sierra Urban, and one great-grandchild, Khloe Harkins. She was predeceased by her ex-husband Richard and by four brothers; William, Richard, Walter & Allen. She is survived by one brother Robert and four sisters, Georgianna, Marion, Carol & Donna. She leaves a multitude of nieces & nephews, cousins and other relatives. As per her request, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. Burial will follow at Columbia Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, 167 Middletown Road, Columbia, CT 06237. The family would like to thank all of those who were involved in her care during this difficult time, including the staff at Horace W. Porter School, Columbia EMS, Windham Hospital, Lifestar, and the incredible staff at Hartford Hospital. She always said that her family came first; that they were the most important part of her life and all the rest was frosting on the cake. She loved being involved in The Town of Columbia and she served the town for 18 years giving it her all. Arrangements through Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .