Betty Adams passed away at her beloved home in Brighton, New York on April 10th, 2022 at the age of 98. Betty was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on June 18th, 1923, the eldest daughter in a family of four girls. After moving to Madison, Wisconsin, Betty met her partner for life, Alfred Adams. Betty and Al won scholarships to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and attended college on an accelerated schedule due to the need for men and women to join the WW II war effort. Betty graduated with a degree in Journalism and Al procured a job at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York with his Chemical Engineering degree. Betty joined Al in Rochester and they were married with just two witnesses on March 13, 1945. At the age of 42, Betty began her career with her oldest daughters in college and high school and her youngest just 8 years old. Her first job was as a proofreader for Wolfe Publications- Post Suburban Newspapers, where she excelled in her work and began writing the column “Gourmet’s Choice”, interviewing local men and women who loved to cook as well as renowned chefs such as James Beard. She was ultimately promoted to editor of the Greece Post newspaper and held that position for many years, mentoring younger staff in the craft of newspaper writing. Her skills led her to a new career as a public affairs and communications specialist for The Rochester Institute of Technology, Crestwood Children’s Center, and the Rochester Foundation. “Retiring” in her 70’s, she continued to write, freelancing for the George Eastman House, writing articles for local magazines including the magazine “Rochester Women” where she also served on the Advisory Board. In her 80’s she co-wrote and edited Robert Stevens’ book about Robert W.S. Stevens– a lawyer, politician and western rail and business entrepreneur from NY state entitled Thunderbolt from a Clear Sky – The Irrepressible Life of Robert W.S. Stevens.
Betty loved her adopted city of Rochester and was dedicated to supporting the community. She was president of the regional Camp Fire Girls, winning the organization’s highest award, the Luther Halsey Gulick medallion for her leadership in training leaders and advancing the group’s acceptance into the Community Chest of Rochester. Betty was an active member of Women in Communications Inc. and won their prestigious Matrix Award in 1985 in recognition of her long journalistic career and her dedication to advancing the role of women in communications. She was an avid supporter of the theater group, Rochester Community Players, where she served as a Board Member, donating her writing skills to promote their work and thoroughly enjoying the theater scene.
Betty lived a full life, as a mother, wife and a woman dedicated to her career and friendships. She supported and mentored younger professionals, helped to build supportive networks, and was known for her positive attitude, her love of entertaining, and her contagious laugh. She is survived by her three daughters, Margaret Adams Striebel, Leslie Adams Fleming and Elizabeth Adams; five grandchildren Jessica Striebel MacLean, Matthew Striebel, Quinn Fleming, Peter Striebel and Maia Fleming; and four great grandchildren Beatrix MacLean, Marlowe and Sam Striebel, and Verity Rossi-Fleming. A celebration of her life is planned for July 16th. Please contact Elizabeth Adams at elizabethjeanadams@gmail.com for details.
Leave a Comment