Grace Adams Obituary
Grace Adams, a beloved and dedicated member of the Willimantic community and Temple Bnai Israel, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at the age of 81. Born in New York on August 30, 1943, to Hazel Huber Adams DeLuca and Mark Hancock Adams, she was predeceased by her sister Lucy DeLuca, her stepfather Joseph Anthony DeLuca, and both her parents.
Grace moved to Willimantic over 25 years ago, quickly becoming an integral part of the local fabric through her work and involvement with various community organizations. She found a spiritual home at Temple Bnai Israel, where, as a dedicated member of the Tikkun Olam committee, she worked tirelessly to repair the world. Grace’s decision to have a Bat Mitzvah as an adult reflected her deep connection to her Jewish faith and her ongoing commitment to learning and growth.
Rav Jeremy, a rabbi from the community, shared:
“For many years, Grace was at absolutely every Temple gathering, generally arriving on foot, contributing her quirky sense of humor, her righteous indignation, her prayers for our planet, her non-stop mind, her desire to be helpful, and always her presence to our community. She did the same with several other communities around town, including the Food Coop, WAIM, the Willimantic Public Library, and the Covenant Soup Kitchen.”
Victoria Nimirowski, Executive Director of WAIM, remembered Grace’s many contributions:
“Grace came to WAIM through the Easter Seals (Maturity Works) Senior Training Program, and stayed on for years even after the program ended. She tracked donations, maintained our donor mailing list, ran financial reports, reconciled checking accounts, and pretty much did any clerical work we asked of her—except for filing! She had a strong personality and was never shy about expressing her opinions. She had a tough exterior but a heart of gold. She loved our July 4th Boombox parade, marching alongside WAIM’s truck and even collecting trash to bring back to WAIM for disposal. Grace would often take home donated clothing to mend for our clients. Her dedication to our community was remarkable.”
Grace was known for her sharp intellect and passion for the environment. A brilliant mathematician, she spent much of her free time devising innovative plans to reduce energy consumption on a large scale. Her determination to create a better world was evident in everything she did.
Sheila Amdur, a close friend, said of Grace:
“She was a valiant woman who faced many hurdles throughout her life, yet she overcame them with resilience and a fierce spirit.”
Grace’s presence will be deeply missed by the countless lives she touched. She is remembered for her bravery, hard work, and unwavering commitment to her community. May her memory be a blessing.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Temple Bnai, Israel. Burial will follow at B'nai Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAIM or the Covenant Soup Kitchen, two organizations close to Grace’s heart. To leave a message of condolence, please visit
www.potterfuneralhome.com
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