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E. Adele Irving passed away peacefully in her home the morning of December 28. A resident of Berkeley Heights, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Ethel Irving and the sister of the late Donald Irving, Jr. and Neil Irving. She leaves her brothers Roy Irving (Nonie) of Maine and Delmont Irving (Reggie) of MA, her sister-in-law, Mary Irving of MA, dear friend Marie Mastorakis of NJ, and a host of nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews as well as her beloved Tibetan Terrier, Kera.
Upon graduating from Bucknell University, Adele joined the Music Department of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and rose to Director of Music Rights. ABC sent her to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to oversee the music rights at the games. While working at ABC, Adele still found time to share her love of music. For several years, she performed with an opera group operating out of the Union Church of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In May 1976 she gave a recital at Carnegie Hall and in October 1982 gave a concert at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall to commemorate the music of Percy Grainger.
Throughout her life, Adele pursued many passions. First and foremost was singing with the choirs of Union Church of Bay Ridge and with Central Presbyterian Church, Summit as well as a cantor with several other religious organizations. She raised and showed numerous Tibetan terriers, starting with Diva who was a Westminster show champion. She was active in dog therapy, visiting various senior homes to provide comfort and companionship to residents. She was a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, traveled extensively with college and long-time friends, played with a bridge group for many years, and was one of the “Group of Eight” Bucknell friends who met since graduation. She enjoyed theater and attending the Metropolitan Opera and concerts at Avery Fisher Hall.
Adele lived a full and active life. She will be missed, but not forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Adele’s memory may be made to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center – 575 Woodland Avenue, PO Box 159, Madison, NJ 07940 or via www.sthuberts.org, Bucknell University Music Dept., Bucknell University, Office of Gift Processing – 301 Market Street Suite #2, Lewisburg, PA 17837, or the Memorial Fund of Central Presbyterian Church – Music at 70 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901.
