Adele Bronish

LEWISTON — Adele Bronish of Dixfield, 73, passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013 at Central Maine Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

She was born July 17, 1939, in Chester, N.J., to Clyde Gilbert and Adele (Lance) Hopler. She graduated from Roxbury High School, Succasunna, N.J., the Class of 1957. As a young adult, Adele had ponies and enjoyed competing and riding in parades and other functions in her hometown. She also played the saxophone in the school marching band.

On Feb. 15, 1958, Adele married Edward John Bronish of Norton, N.J. In 1969, they relocated to Weld and raised five children, Ed Jr., Adele Ann, Stephen, Terry and Mike. Adele lived in Fairbanks for several years and then moved to Dixfield in 2008.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early 30s, she fought a long and hard battle to deal with the disease. Even though her fingers, hands and toes were bent and her joints creaked, she still maintained a home of her own and was virtually self-reliant. She loved crafting, sewing and quilting.

Every Christmas, she handcrafted all of her gifts for her seven great-grandchildren and even in her condition, could out shop the best of ’em! Mom was a strong and courageous woman who was loved and respected by everyone she touched. She will be missed by all her knew her.

Adele leaves behind a sister, Ann E. Warner of Bridgton; a brother, Gilbert Clyde Hopler of Howland; her five children, Ed Bronish Jr. of Dixfield, Adele Fulcher of Leasburg, N.C., Stephen Bronish of Rumford, Terry Roderick of Gardiner and Mike Bronish of Jay; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and countless others who called her “Grammy Adele.”

She was predeceased by her parents.

Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com

Adele made prior cremation arrangements and requested a small simple service in the summer. With that in mind, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Adele’s memory to Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions Center, Attn: Sue Baltrus, 70 Middle St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Arrangements under the care of Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court Street, Farmington.