Adeline B. Smith

Waltham - Miss Adeline B. Smith, of Waltham, formerly of Belmont, died Friday, May 6, 2011 in Epoch Senior Healthcare of Weston. She was 98.

Formerly of Waltham, Belmont, Chicago, IL., Milwaukee, WI., Anderson, IN. and Atlanta, GA. Adeline B. ‘Smitty’ Smith took her final journey to God’s home and heaven on May 6, 2011 at the young age of 98 years. Adeline, also known as ‘Addie’, was born on March 27, 1913 in Chicago. Beloved and dedicated daughter of the late John Virgil and Mae (Egan) Smith, and sister of the late C. Walter Smith. Adeline was educated in Milwaukee, graduated Washington High School in the class of 1931 and Spencererian College in 1932, receiving her diploma as a Junior Accountant. Her education and skill in the financial area of business flowed to her very fulfilling and successful career in the accounting department at the Houghton-Mifflin Company in Boston until her retirement in 1978.

Adeline’s approach to retirement matched how she lived. Describing herself as an ‘All-American Girl’, she measured the quality of her life by great friendships, comfortable furnishings and clothing, order, efficiency and good food. This standard of quality held true during her summers in Dennisport, MA, where she had owned a cottage situated close by her special friends. Sports of all types but especially tennis, golf, and at a younger age volleyball, were shared with her close-knit family of friends, and warm memories of gatherings when her mother and father hosted New Year’s Eve parties. Adeline was a brilliant gamer of Bridge, Canasta, Cribbage, and was an avid puzzle-solver, especially crosswords; she looked forward to learning a new word every day.

An active member of the Liberty Belle Chorus of the Sweet Adelines Vocal Group from 1980 to 1986, she is sweetly remembered for her unique, clear bass-tone voice and especially the fact she was the only member, in a 30 year history, whose first name was indeed Adeline! An absolute original in all ways.

From 1984 to 2009 Adeline made her home at the Francis Cabot Lowell Mill (FCLM) Apartments in Waltham. More than a resident, she was known for her involvement and participation in a wide variety of activities, especially serving 8 years as Treasurer of the Residents Association, a member of the Woman’s Group, and a true fan of the ‘great coffee’ served at the Resident Breakfast Program. Adeline will be remembered fondly by her friends at The Weekly Prayer Group, which she was present for many years.

Adeline was a gifted Quilter. She created original patterns on paper and then laboriously hand-sewed 40 or more beautiful quilts during her life.

All who knew Adeline have received a legacy of true enrichment for having been a part of her life. Many have reveled at her conversations, her wit and humor. Her low, bass-tone voice always concisely delivered the finest grammar, and she rarely lost track of a point in the most interesting conversations. Until her recent illness, her mind, hearing and sight were never deemed deplete because of her age. Her spirit, wit and wisdom were as sharp and bright as her big blue eyes!

Among her family of friends, Adeline is survived by her close friends, known and enjoyed for over fifty years: Velma Vallencia and the Vallencia families of Worecester and Hyannis, Alma Pontz of Weston, Priscilla Grindell, Marie Morello, her associated of the Liberty Belle Chorus and the many friends, caregivers from her long-time residence at Francis Cabot Lowell Mill, as well as all connected to her care by the Council on Aging in Waltham.


Adeline belonged to the Liberty Bell Chapter of the “Sweet Adeline’s Singing Group.” She also was active in the YWCA in Boston, St. Jude’s Church and the Waltham Senior Center. She lived many years in Gardencrest Apartment complex and at The Mill in Waltham where she developed many close friendships.

Friends will honor and remember Adeline’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Sunday, May 8th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

Memorial donations in Adeline’s memory may be made to Waltham Council on Aging, 488 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452-6131.