Adele Ritchie Ritchie Foschia

Adele (aka “Nana”) was born August 25, 1937 to Leland Ogden Ritchie and Elizabeth Virginia Fifer. She was born and raised in Chevy Chase, MD, and attended college at the University of Maryland, where she met her future husband, John, and where they both received their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Adele was an ardent, lifelong, Terrapin fan.

As anyone who met Adele knows, she was a kind, loving, intelligent individual who had an indescribable drive and passion for life. Adele always put her family and friends first, often leaving them feeling two steps behind and in perpetual catch-up mode. She was an extraordinary wife, grandmother, friend, and community leader who just happened to also cook a mean fried chicken!

Adele was an outgoing, warm, and friendly individual. Her communication skills were legendary. She was flexible, non-judgmental, and always up for a good time. She was understanding, empathic, and made the best of situations, regardless of circumstance. She loved the beach, books, and movies, but nothing surpassed her love for her husband John, her son Johnny, her daughter Mary Beth, her son-in-law Steve, and her two grandchildren, Nick and Julia. She embraced all of their lives whole-heartedly, learning how to Facebook and text, while also enduring countless bad movies, loud music, and Japanese steakhouses along the way. She would drop everything to attend to a family member or friend in need, and did so with a sincere sense of joy and purpose.

Adele lived out her calling to serve people with disabilities though her 40 plus year career with Easter Seals. She started as a special needs teacher, and her unique leadership capability led her to many management positions, including terms as President and CEO of Easter Seal affiliates in Washington DC, Texas, and North Carolina. She was loved and highly respected by all and was a mentor to hundreds of employees, colleagues and peers throughout her career. Her commitment to developing people is a legacy that will support the mission of many organizations for years to come.

Adele also led the life of an outstandingly accomplished businesswoman. During her 20 year tenure with Easter Seals in Washington D.C., she served on the first Head Start Advisory Board and started the city’s first early intervention and day care program for disabled infants and toddlers. She also served on the first Protection and Advocacy Board of Directors in the city. When she left, the Mayor of Washington proclaimed an official “Adele Foschia Day” in recognition of her accomplishments for the children of that city.

Adele has been a leader at the local, state and national levels. She held many positions with the Easter Seals Leadership Association, including president and CEO. Adele received the Myrtle M. and Tom B. Medders Award in 1980 from Easter Seals National, a prestigious award given to an outstanding chief executive officer. Easter Seals North Carolina also received numerous awards under her leadership.

In recent years, Adele was active in several different leadership roles at her church, North Raleigh Presbyterian, including Elder and Chair of a several church committees.

Considering all of these accomplishments and successes, it was Adele’s family, her extended family, and anyone who was privileged enough to know her and call her a friend that meant the most to her. It was the rattle of her charm bracelet, the whiff of her Channel Number Five, the twinkle in her eye, her bright smile and steadiness that never failed to navigate us through the happiest and most harrowing of times. Our lives were improved by her touch, and we are all so grateful for the many years we had together with her.

Adele is survived by her husband of 54 years, John; her son, John Foschia III of Raleigh, NC; her daughter Mary Beth Townley, and husband, Steve, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Nicholas and Julia Townley; lifelong friend Joanne Hillyard of Raleigh, NC, and her children Bob, Greg & Cynthia. Adele was predeceased by her parents, Leland and Elizabeth Ritchie, and her brother, Charles Ritchie.

A memorial service at North Raleigh Presbyterian Church is scheduled for 2:00 PM next Saturday, November 16. A reception honoring and celebrating Adele’s great life will be held at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of the following organizations:

The Adele R. Foschia Memorial Fund

Easter Seals National Office

233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2400

Chicago, IL 60606

NAMI North Carolina

309 W. Millbrook Road Suit 121

Raleigh, NC 27609

North Raleigh Presbyterian Church

11905 Strickland Rd

Raleigh, NC 27613