1924
2021
Adelaide McCracken Wean
West Palm Beach - 1924-2021
Adelaide McCracken Wean, affectionately known as Skippy to her friends, beloved wife for 63 years of the late Raymond John "Jack" Wean, Jr. (1921-2006), passed away peacefully at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida on August 9, 2021. She was 97.
Born on June 20, 1924 and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, Adelaide was the daughter of Mildred and Frederick McCracken and sister of the late Reverend W. Chave McCracken (Mary Tyler) with whom she remained very close until his death in 2005. She graduated from Miss Beard's School in Orange, New Jersey with her lifelong friend, Katherine Kelly, with whom she shared her birthday. Adelaide then attended Pine Manor Junior College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
After they met at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach in 1938, Adelaide and Jack were married on May 22, 1943 in South Orange. Following his service as a Naval Officer on a destroyer in the South Pacific during World War II, they settled in Warren, Ohio, where they started their family, Jack began his career with The Wean Engineering Company and they maintained a residence for 25 years.
Adelaide spent much of her life in Palm Beach where she raised their four children, with a particular emphasis on manners and took great pride in their many accomplishments. Throughout her life, she maintained an active lifestyle and commitment to daily exercise, which included swimming, bicycling and her regular walks on Everglades Island. Having been known in her early years as a "tomboy", Adelaide grew up climbing trees and in her childhood spent wonderful summers at Camp Quinibeck in Vermont, relishing all of the sports and activities offered. The result of these early years became evident when she later mastered the pogo stick more adroitly than her equally active children could.
Even when in a relaxed state, Adelaide stayed active by creating ever more elaborate needlepoint projects, which served as an important creative outlet for her, often while traveling or watching television with Jack in their den. She began stitching simple pillows and framed items; however, as she became more accomplished, Adelaide needle pointed unique custom-designed canvases such as chair cushions, rugs and wall hangings. Another great source of enjoyment was playing bridge with longtime friends.
From an early age, travel was an important part of Adelaide's life and upbringing. In addition to regular trips to Europe with their children, Adelaide and Jack traveled the world over and particularly enjoyed numerous ocean liner crossings between North America and Europe.
Adelaide was involved with a variety of Palm Beach community organizations throughout the years. As a parishioner of the Church of Bethesda-by-the Sea, she taught Sunday School and served on the Vestry. She was a member of The Garden Club of Palm Beach for over 50 years, including a term as president and Chaired the Garden Club of America annual conference when it was held in Palm Beach. As a descendant of Wilhelmus Beekman, an early mayor of New York City and Treasurer of the Dutch West India Company, Adelaide was active in the Palm Beach Chapter of the Colonial Dames of America. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Pine Manor Junior College.
Lifetime members of The Society of the Four Arts, Adelaide and Jack were also long time members of The Bath And Tennis Club, The Sailfish Club of Florida and The Everglades Club.
Adelaide is survived by three children, R. John Wean III (Susanne Cole) of Palm Beach and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gordon B. Wean (Sarah) of Cleveland, Ohio, and Rebecca Wean Stilin of West Palm Beach; two nieces in Vermont, Adelaide Tyler McCracken and Sara McCracken Norcross; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, brother and sister-in-law, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas F. Wean (Madonna) and her niece, Margaret Chadwick McCracken.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Adelaide's caregivers - Nina Vaskivuo, Anissa Mekrout and Neida Soares - whose loving attention permitted her to remain at home for the final years of her life. As her primary companion for 15 years, Nina filled each day with fun, humor and joy.
A memorial service will be held at a future time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S. County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480 or to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
We will miss seeing her smiling face. Nina was the best.
Needlepoint Alley of the Palm Beaches
August 29, 2021
Pamela Stilin
August 27, 2021
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