Adele Marie Gorham, the matriarch of the Gorham clan, died Sunday, April 2, at her home surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 89 years old.
Born Adele Marie Ryan in Westfield Mass, she was the daughter of Sam and Johanna Curran Ryan. Adele’s true pride and joy was her family. She was married to John David Gorham for 60 years, before his passing in 2015. She is survived by her daughter Marita Wiser and sons Dan, Jack and Sam Gorham. She also enjoyed the love of six grandchildren, Rosemary and Marguerite Wiser, Ryan and Lydia Gorham and Courtney and Samantha Gorham.
Adele was a true believer in higher education. As a mom to four children, Adele went on to earn a BA in American History from Albertus Magnus College and also an interior design degree from the Paier School of Art. She did additional graduate studies at Wesleyan University. She was also a managing partner at Frankson Fence Company of North Haven for many decades.
She and John loved to travel and sail. They were especially fond of the Caribbean, where aboard the Mariposa they island hopped with the help of the trade winds, and surrounded by the teal green sea. Adele loved books and was an avid reader, especially when the topic was history and Nautical tales. She did volunteer work at the Connecticut River Museum and loved touring others through Mystic Seaport.
Adele was predeceased by her sister Maureen Hall and survived by her sister Joanne Melanson of Westfield, Mass. and many nieces and nephews. She is remembered for her kindness, sharp wit and Irish compassion. She was a true friend to many, and maintained those relationships for decades, with frequent visits, calls and cards.
Anyone wishing to send a donation in her memory should inquire at the Edward Smith Library in Northford. A celebration of Adele’s life will be held later this Spring, ideally in a garden setting, a location which brought Adele so much joy.