Tessa Ader

1933 - 2026

Tessa Gowen Ader, one of Charlottesville's leading philanthropists, passed away peacefully at her home in Charlottesville on January 5, 2026 at the age of 92 after a long illness. Her gift in September 2020 of $50 million to establish the Tessa and Richard Ader Performing Arts Center was the largest gift to the arts in the history of the University of Virginia.

Born in Surrey, England on June 11, 1933 to parents Laurence Geoffrey Gowen and Margaret Edith Gowen, she attended St. James School in London. After serving three years in the Purser's office of a passenger ocean liner, she took a position with the Antique Porcelain Company in London. She later joined the firm's New York office where she became Vice President. Shortly after her arrival, she met the company's attorney, Richard M. Ader. After marrying in 1968, they lived on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Tessa began studying classic jewelry making. After Richard was asked to open a law firm office in Florida, they moved to Key Biscayne in 1979 where she studied enameling.

Tessa became a highly regarded enamelist and jewelry designer whose work was exhibited at juried Guild shows in Florida and Japan, receiving an Award of Excellence and various honorable mentions. She was then sponsored by the Enamel Guild South, where she taught classical chain making and enameling.

Tessa was predeceased by her devoted and loving husband Richard M. Ader who served as the first trustee of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation. Tessa was a trusted advisor to Richard as he served in this role.

After Richard's passing in 2019, Tessa became one of Charlottesville's most generous philanthropists. In addition to the gift to establish the Tessa and Richard Ader Performing Arts Center, her gifts to Charlottesville Opera created the now nationally recognized Ader Emerging Artist program. She established the Richard M. and Tessa G. Ader Endowed Fund for Music Education at the University of Virginia in support of the Charlottesville Symphony. She was also a major supporter of the Charlottesville Ballet, the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival, Conexus, Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation, Georgia's Friends, and the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, among other worthy nonprofits.

Tessa was an honorary member of the Advisory Board of the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia and a longtime member of the Monticello and Montpelier Cabinets. She was also a member of Farmington Country Club.

Tessa cherished her nieces, nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was fortunate to have the devoted Ruth Sharif as a friend and caregiver for nine years. Her loved ones would also like to express their appreciation to longtime caregiver Debra Pendleton. Tessa will be keenly missed by her friends of many decades, Joseph and Rosemary Erdman. She will also be missed by her two beloved cats, Lydiah and Vera, adopted from the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Charlottesville Opera, 226 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902, the Charlottesville Symphony Society, P.O. Box 4206, Charlottesville, VA 22905, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville VA 22901 or to the charity of your choice.