Adeline “Addie” (Elbert) Drew, born March 1, 1930 in Fenton, Iowa, died peacefully in her sleep on November 7, 2020. She was 90 years young. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Mary Elbert; her husband, Harold Drew; her sisters Rosemary Coughlin, Arlene Joynt, and Ellen Joynt; and her granddaughter Jennifer Drew.
She is survived by her children, son Joseph and his wife Mary of Ventura, CA, daughter Patricia and her husband David of Oak View, CA, son Dennis and his wife Terrii of Gardnerville, NV, son Richard and his wife Robin of Santa Barbara, CA, and son Timothy and his wife Brenda of Oak View, CA; her brother, Cletus Elbert of Emmetsburg, IA; and her sister Betty Drew of Emmetsburg, IA; along with 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Adeline was married to Harold, her husband of 62 years, on December 31, 1949 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa, and the two marked their 50th anniversary with a “Y2K” celebration. She was a hardworking, dedicated mother, and family was her greatest joy, providing unyielding love and support. She was the best cheerleader, cub scout leader, booster club supporter, and number one fan in the stands or the theater. Her claim to fame among her grandchildren was her delicious homemade chicken noodles, a particular treat on Halloween after a long night of trick or treating! And the brownies she made would be best described as heavenly.
A graduate of Emmetsburg Catholic High School, Adeline began working as a seamstress at a men’s clothing store in Emmetsburg. When the family moved to Ventura in 1965, she began a career in bookkeeping. She was the Office Manager of Vance, Thrift and Biller, a CPA firm in Ventura, until her retirement. She was also an active member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Adeline was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a devoted member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ojai. She was prayerful and always ready to lend a hand, especially for those in need. She was a Eucharistic minister and visited sick parishioners, bringing them Holy Communion, words of encouragement, and a warm smile.
She loved music and dancing with her husband to big band orchestras. She even danced with Lawrence Welk once!
She was always humming or singing, and while residing at The Gables of Ojai, would give impromptu concerts to staff and residents! Such perfect medicine.
Harold and Adeline, along with her sisters and their husbands, loved getting together to play pinochle. It should be noted that neither she nor her sisters ever cheated in cards against their husbands, and though much ado was made about it over the years, no signals across the table were ever confirmed!
While we have lost a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend, we have gained the most beautiful angel to watch over us all. Our family would like to offer a special thank you to all the dedicated caretakers at The Gables of Ojai and Assisted Healthcare Hospice. No words can express our appreciation; we are forever grateful.
Details are pending regarding a memorial celebration to be held next year around her birthday. In lieu of flowers or donations, we simply ask that you laugh, hum, sing or dance in her honor. Oh, and maybe eat some M&Ms!