ADELINE KRIZEK

1933 - 2021

KRIZEK Adeline Rose Krizek (Age 88) On September 5, 2021, Addy as she preferred to be called, died at her home. She was born on March 3, 1933 in London, England and three was her favorite number. She lived in Notting Hill with her parents Arthur and Adeline Watson until she turned six and WWII began. Her earliest memory was asking her Mum about the barrage balloons flown over London in an effort to save historical landmarks from the German bombs. Then, like many other city children, Addy and her sisters, Sylvia and Shirley were evacuated to the countryside where they lived with strangers, some kind and some not so kind. Her mother stayed in London working at a munitions factory and caring for Addy's baby brother, John. Addy's father joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, went to France and was killed in May of 1940. At 20, she emigrated to the US aboard the Queen Mary with just a high school education and the equivalent of $20. In 1955 she married Eugene Krizek. They both met and worked on Capitol Hill-Addy for Representative and then Senator from California, Clair Engle. After his tragic death, Addy moved to the non-profit sector as a staff member of the Council for a Livable World which promoted the elimination of nuclear weapons. By the end of the 60's, the Krizek Family moved to the Hollin Hills neighborhood of Mount Vernon, VA. Addy loved to help people so it came naturally that she involved herself in both charitable organizations and civic activities. She worked for Mount Vernon Supervisor Warren Cikins who brought the Mount Vernon ice rink and pool to the community. Addy was a past president of the local Juvenile Diabetes Foundation chapter, a former board member of Burgundy Farm Country Day School of Alexandria, VA and the Friendship House of Washington, DC. In 1984, she was the 1st volunteer for Christian Relief Services, founded by her husband, now one of the largest human services charities. In 2004, Addy was one of the 1st board members of London based Bread and Water for Africa UK. She was devoted to United Community Ministries serving as director of volunteer services and then director of development. In the mid 1990's thru 2000, Addy served on the Board of Directors; this was a critical time when the supportive housing program was launched. Her work with executive director Sharon Kelso turned into a lasting friendship that found them traveling together, taking in performances at Arena Stage and enjoying each other's company often until the pandemic made that impossible. In a letter read to Addy just before her passing, Sharon wrote " . . .you remind me of a humming bird flitting about with such energy and enthusiasm, leaving your touch of love and kindness wherever you alight." In 1995, Addy and her husband were honored as Lord and Lady Fairfax for their outstanding volunteer service. Addy continued to give of her time to those facing hardship, remembering her own experiences in war torn England and at the age of 86 was given the 2019 Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award alongside Senator Mark Warner. She was an artist and taught art as a Sunday School teacher and artist aide at Hollin Meadows Elementary School. She also taught her granddaughters to knit. Addy found time for garden clubs, book clubs, a knitting club and she loved to travel or watch PBS, especially British television. She remained active in politics as a part of the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee and was the #1 campaign volunteer for her son, Paul, now a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. Addy lived at home with her husband Col. Eugene Krizek USAF(ret), Paul and his wife, Tracey who all took great care of her and who will miss her tremendously, as will sons, Bryan (Rita) and Neil. She is also survived by her grandchildren: SSgt Justin Krizek, USMC (Jessica), Cameron Krizek (Bridget), Victoria Krizek and Khloe Krizek; great-grandchildren, Dean, Eliša and Killian; a brother-in-law, Gus Kepel of Bury St Edmunds, England and a sister-in-law, Suzi Watson of South Dayton, FL. A celebration of Addy's life with be held on October 16, 2021 at St Luke's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Community(www.unitedcommunity.org), Bread and Water for Africa UK(www.forafrica.org.uk) or Mount Vernon at Home(www.mountvernonathome.org). Professional services entrusted to Greene Funeral Home, Inc.Alexandria, VA and the Friendship House of Washington, DC. In 1984, she was the 1st volunteer for Christian Relief Services, founded by her husband, now one of the largest human services charities. In 2004, Addy was one of the 1st board members of London based Bread and Water for Africa UK. She was devoted to United Community Ministries serving as director of volunteer services and then director of development. In the mid 1990's thru 2000, Addy served on the Board of Directors; this was a critical time when the supportive housing program was launched. Her work with executive director Sharon Kelso turned into a lasting friendship that found them traveling together, taking in performances at Arena Stage and enjoying each other's company often until the pandemic made that impossible. In a letter read to Addy just before her passing, Sharon wrote " . . .you remind me of a humming bird flitting about with such energy and enthusiasm, leaving your touch of love and kindness wherever you alight." In 1995, Addy and her husband were honored as Lord and Lady Fairfax for their outstanding volunteer service. Addy continued to give of her time to those facing hardship, remembering her own experiences in war torn England and at the age of 86 was given the 2019 Gerald W. Hyland Humanitarian Award alongside Senator Mark Warner. She was an artist and taught art as a Sunday School teacher and artist aide at Hollin Meadows Elementary School. She also taught her granddaughters to knit. Addy found time for garden clubs, book clubs, a knitting club and she loved to travel or watch PBS, especially British television. She remained active in politics as a part of the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee and was the #1 campaign volunteer for her son, Paul, now a Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. Addy lived at home with her husband Col. Eugene Krizek USAF(ret), Paul and his wife, Tracey who all took great care of her and who will miss her tremendously, as will sons, Bryan (Rita) and Neil. She is also survived by her grandchildren: SSgt Justin Krizek, USMC (Jessica), Cameron Krizek (Bridget), Victoria Krizek and Khloe Krizek; great-grandchildren, Dean, Eliša and Killian; a brother-in-law, Gus Kepel of Bury St Edmunds, England and a sister-in-law, Suzi Watson of South Dayton, FL. A celebration of Addy's life with be held on October 16, 2021 at St Luke's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Community(www.unitedcommunity.org), Bread and Water for Africa UK(www.forafrica.org.uk) or Mount Vernon at Home(www.mountvernonathome.org). Professional services entrusted to Greene Funeral Home, Inc.