Adeline Bradlee Polese died in her sleep at home in Beverly Farms on Oct 13, surrounded by family. She was born in Boston, daughter of Sargent and Louise Trippe Bradlee, on January 23, 1933.
Adeline was known by many names: Addie, Duchess, Mummy, Mom, and most especially as “Ummy” and could be found every morning diligently finishing crossword puzzles. Ummy, as her 11 grandchildren fondly called her, was beloved for her special pancakes, scrambled eggs, and iced tea with mint from her garden. During mealtimes, you felt her love and guidance and enjoyed her quick wit.
At the core of Adeline was her desire to give back to organizations and individuals alike. She became a special needs teacher to give her students the attention that they deserved, having a profound influence on them. Adeline volunteered tirelessly at MGH and was very involved within the St. John’s Church community organizing suppers, clothing drives, and knitting blankets for those in need.
Her beautiful gardens brought her much joy as they were a deep source of pride, especially her roses. She won numerous NorthShore Garden Club awards for her floral talents. Additionally, Adeline’s interests/hobbies included playing bridge, needlepoint, even making handmade quilts for her children, grands, and great-grands. She rarely missed a school game that one of her children or grands played in and always arrived with brownies or lemon squares.
Adeline will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, James K. Polese, and her four children: Sarah Bradlee, Lucy Adeline (John Rohner), James Sargent, and William Trippe. Her eleven grandchildren: Alexandra (Mike Gibbons), Trippe, Eliza, Madeline (Colin McMahon), Henry, Susie, Samantha, Josiah, Oliver, Elaina, and Hayden. Her two great-grandchildren are Eloise (Madeline) and Isla (Alexandra). She leaves her twin sister Kitty Ballou and is predeceased by her brother Sargent Bradlee, Jr.
She attended Winsor, Westover, and Wheelock.
Those who wish to make gifts in Adeline’s memory might consider doing so online at Westover School or Beverly Hospital. Alternatively, donation checks should be made payable to Westover School and sent to Westover School, 1237 Whittemore Rd., Middlebury, CT 06762. Adeline's name should be written on the memo line.
A Celebration of Adeline’s life will be held at St. John’s Church in Beverly Farms at 11 am Dec. 2nd, 2023.
