Adele Harman Waggaman gently passed away September 26 in Washington, DC, just short of her 101st birthday. The heavens can expect a spicy, feisty, entertaining, elegant, funny, salty, gracious and ever beautiful addition to the hereafter. Though failing, she was still “Adele” near the end, clever, unbridled, demonstrative, strong. And stubborn: she hung on long after death was expected.
Adele was born October 21, 1919, in Orange, NJ, the second child of Lillien and Archer Harman. She spent much of her early years at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, where her father taught. Somewhat of pretty distraction to the male students, when she was in her early teens the School insisted she be sent away to boarding school. So off it was to Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT, where she attended her 80th reunion three years ago. Later at Bennington College (VT), she honed her rebellious, rambunctious skills.
After a brief modeling career in New York, Adele married Naval Officer Arnold Welles in 1944. That marriage ended in divorce in 1948. Subsequently in 1950 she married Foreign Service Officer David LeBreton, who was killed in a drowning incident in 1953. When her beloved father died six months later, she was 34 and reeling, with 3 young boys. Happily she found and married Robert Waggaman in 1957, a kind and generous Washington, DC, and Nantucket fixture, who provided warmth, stability and a gentle nudge now and again to rein her in. Bob passed away in 1981.
Adele and Bob produced 2 children, bringing the household offspring to 5 kids, from three different fathers. All in a sprawling and noisy Chevy Chase, MD, home.
Adele had a passion for skiing, tennis, paddle tennis, her clunky bike, her collection of Nantucket baskets, bridge, salt, chocolate, opera and the evening cocktail. She also enjoyed playing the piano, and during Christmas holidays could be persuaded to pull out her accordion and sing German folk songs.
Her passport was well worn. She spent extended periods of time in Germany, Tunisia, Paris and South America. She travelled much of the world. She generously hosted many an extended family trip to far-off ski resorts, a particular joy for her and all involved.
She was a member of the Chevy Chase Club and the Sulgrave Club, as well as the Edgartown (MA)Yacht Club, where she was the first woman trustee. Charity work included stints as chair of the DC chapter of Recording for the Blind and the first female head Trustee of the St. John’s Child Development Center in Washington.
Adele remained elegant and regal in manner and bearing up until suffering a broken hip 2 years ago. The family is grateful that she in large part retained her amusing, opinionated personna, and continued to provide the occasional wry observation.
Though she was a commanding presence, Adele was ultimately understated, disdaining the ostentatious. She led by dignified example, quietly telling a child “If you are in position to, you should always try to help people out.” This and so many more valuable life’s lessons from one who experienced so much. She didn’t sweat the small stuff, was someone who truly grasped what mattered in life.
In addition to 16 grand and stepgrandchildren and two great granddaughters, Adele is survived by her sons Alexander Welles of Seattle WA and Edgartown MA, Arnold Welles of Greenwich CT and Edgartown, David LeBreton of Dedham MA and Edgartown, her daughter Victoria Knopes of Chevy Chase MD and Edgartown, her stepson MacKenzie Waggaman of Mt. Washington MA and her sister Elizabeth Brainard of Marion MA. A son, William Waggaman, died in 2018. A memorial celebration will take place next summer. Donations in her memory can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, with “Cooke House Legacy Gardens” on the memo line. 151 Lagoon Road Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
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