Helen Adelman

Helen (nee Schecter, born January 13, 1930) Adelman, who passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of November 18, 2023, was one of those rare 93-year-olds of whom it was universally thought: “she died too soon.” For her entire life she was much beloved by family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Her husband of 55 years, Phil Adelman, passed away in 2007. Phil proudly called Helen the “love of his life” and would tell anyone who would listen that he told Helen he loved her every single day of his life.

Helen was one of those relatives who you looked forward to seeing. It was not an obligation but a joy. She was very unassuming and pleasant but had a quick wit and could use colorful language if the situation called for it. Even in her last days at the Waltham Crossings Senior Living Community, the staff remarked that they had never seen a resident with so many visitors.

She worked for 45 years for Burton-Rogers Inc., a “value-added reseller” of diagnostic devices, like electrical meters. Her role there evolved from secretary to vice president of sales. After retiring, she was a volunteer for the Boston Symphony for two decades.

Helen and Phil lived on Longfellow Road in Cambridge for most of their married life. They lived upstairs and Phil’s parents lived downstairs. Helen made dinner for the Adelman’s every single night. When they were younger, they loved to travel to Europe and other international destinations. Their walls were covered with pictures from Greece, Italy, and Israel. They often hosted Thanksgiving, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur meals. Her brother Bernie did the carving and led the service, hurried along by their mother, Rebecca. Everyone was always welcome; chairs could always be added. There was also an annual trivia contest and, for many years, trips to the Celtics games with seats just off the floor. Later, the couple moved to Newton where they famously hosted Chanukah parties with fiercely competitive Yankee Swaps.

Though they had no biological children, many, many young people considered Helen their mom-away-from-mom. It has been said that she received more Mother’s Day cards than anyone else, with or without biological children.

Helen loved to make London Broil and rice pilaf, a favorite of some of her Cambridge “children” who were in school in the area. She also loved Frank Pepe’s pizza, chocolate and butter pecan ice cream. She had one of the most extensive rubber ducky collections in Massachusetts. She also loved cats and had a number over the years.

She is survived by more loving relatives and friends than can fit in this article.

A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10:00 am. Burial to follow.

Donations may be made to Helen’s favorite charity, Mazon – A Jewish Response to Hunger. https://mazon.org/