Adele F. Strelchun, 82, of San Antonio, TX, formerly of North Canaan, CT, died on Friday, November 30, 2018 after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Francis X Strelchun, on November 21, 2010.
Born in Jamaica, NY, Adele was the daughter of the late Fred W. and Florence L. Faber. She grew up in Bay Shore, NY, and spent many years living in North Canaan before moving to San Antonio in 2011.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree from State University of NY, Potsdam, and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University. Adele taught elementary and junior high school in Bay Shore and Glastonbury and Hartford CT. She was Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services, Waterbury, CT, an inner city housing rehabilitation agency from 1983 to 2006. She received the Neighborhood Housing Services 'Woman of the Year' Award in 1998 for her contributions in providing affordable housing opportunities to the city's residents. Adele was also a trustee for the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.
A devoted Roman Catholic, Adele was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in San Antonio. She took genuine interest in social issues, including Pro-Life, and politics. During her years in North Canaan, Adele was a member of various clubs and organizations including Federated Women’s Club, Girl Scouts, Daughters of Isabella, the Douglas Library, and the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society. Her many interests included reading, especially mysteries, playing bridge, antiques, and history. Her energy and enthusiasm for life will never be forgotten.
She is survived by three children, Thomas Strelchun and wife, Karen, of Orefield, PA; John Strelchun and wife, Paula, of San Antonio, TX; and Elizabeth Strelchun of Beacon, NY; her grandchildren Rory Strelchun, and John Francis Strelchun; sisters in-law Ann Skorupski, MaryElla Strelchun, and Ann Faber; brother in-law James Strelchun; and several nieces and nephews. Adele was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Faber.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 6 at 9 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 623 E. Commerce St, San Antonio, TX. A visitation will begin at 8 AM in the Church. As per Adele’s request, interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, North Canaan, CT at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Life League (ALL) and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
