Barbara Risdon-Adams

Waltham – Barbara Risdon-Adams, 'Bra', 'Miss Waltham' and 'Miss Greater Waltham' in 1938, and long time resident of the city passed away on Tuesday June 16, 2009 in her home. She leaves her sons, Jeffrey Adams of Virginia and Duncan Adams of Oregon and a second cousin, Carolyn Ford of Plymouth. Born in South Portland, Maine, she lived with her late brother Stetson and her parents, the late Beatrice and Sidney Risdon in Maine and in Connecticut before settling in Waltham. She attended Waltham schools and went on to graduate from Bryant & Stratton Business School in Boston. Barbara was an accomplished dancer, having studied for many years with Helen M. Whitten and Grace Colbrith. As a teenager she was an active member of the Choristers at the Unitarian Church of Waltham. In 1954, as a resident of Sudbury Road, Weston, she initiated a Junior Choir at the Weston Unitarian Church and served as vice-president of the Women's Alliance there. This organization sent Barbara to Star Island New Hampshire as a delegate for a week of workshops pertaining to the functions of a community church. In 1994 she joined Trinity Church in Waltham and became president of the Women's Association there. 'Bra', as she was known, was a charter member of the Hovey Players, a life member of the Order of Eastern Star, Electa Chapter; founder and past president of the Suburban Club, an officer in the Junior Women's Club, director and past president of the Waltham Women's Club, member of the Belmont Women's Club, and a patron of the Waltham Museum and Leland Home. In the late 1950's and early 1960's after her divorce, Barbara was affiliated with Happy Hollow Elementary School in Wayland as school secretary and later became administrative assistant to the Dean of Residence at Brandeis University in Waltham. She and her family enjoyed their summers on the rock bound coast of Maine at Newagen on the east shores of Southport Island at the entrance to Boothbay Harbor where they had a small cottage built after the family camped out on the property for many summers. Family and friends will honor and remember Barbara's life by gathering for a memorial service in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte.20), Waltham on Saturday June 27, 2009 at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Church, Women's Association, Heating Energy Fund, 730 Main Street, Waltham MA 02451.