Jean Adelman

Jean Dreyfus Adelman, daughter of Edwin and Cecelia Dreyfus, was born November 18, 1924, in New York City and passed away November 14, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, at the Congregation Agudath Jacob Cemetery, 1400 Garden Drive, Waco, Texas. She was born in Manhattan and graduated high school at the age of 15, having started Kindergarten at age four when she followed her sister Ruth to school, where she was allowed to stay. She was a big city girl who worked and attended Hunter College at night. On a serendipitous visit to Waco to see friends, she was set up on a blind date November 14, 1947, with the man who became the love of her life – Alvin Adelman. Jean died on the 70th anniversary of their first meeting. They had five dates, married six weeks later and settled in Waco while Alvin completed Baylor Law School and the Texas bar. Jean was a stay-at-home mother to her four children. She was a wonderful cook and made Sabbath meals and the holidays delicious, joyous and special. Hundreds of people graced her table. She made all feel welcome. In what little spare time she had she did a great deal of volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, Caritas and the battered women’s shelter. She also served as president of Hadassah and Sisterhood. She was an actively involved member of Congregation Agudath Jacob where she taught Sunday school, was on numerous committees and an active member of the burial society. She was a Waco Pathfinder – honored for her many selfless acts and hours of volunteer work. Jean was a true believer in America, our democracy and equal rights for all. She was an active member of the Democratic Party, very involved in the civil rights movement and was a champion for those who had no voice. Injustice and prejudice were intolerable to her and she lived a life as a true woman of valor. One of her greatest joys was traveling with Alvin. She traveled to Turkey, Europe, made over 20 trips to Israel and in her 80’s went to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. She was an avid reader, had a keen intellect and a wicked sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth; her beloved husband, Alvin; and numerous friends who she was very devoted to. She is survived by her children Louise Mann and her husband, Alan, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, David Adelman and his wife, Ursula, of San Antonio, Beth Malke and her husband, Sasson, of Kibbutz Maggal, Israel and Cecelia Stewart and her husband, Lee, of Austin. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren – Erin Vallerio, Max Adelman, Eva Adelman, Etai Malke, Sari Gov-Ari, Avishai Malke, Dvir Raz and Jonah and Aidan Stewart. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please donate money to Meals on Wheels or plant a tree in Israel though the Jewish National Fund. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.