Following are excerpts from a eulogy delivered Thursday by Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen at the funeral of Adele Tyson, who grew up in the Hill and for decades was a lay leader at Congregation Beth El Keser Israel (BEKI), including serving as president.
Adele was born in 1924. She grew up in the loving home of her parents Joseph and Rose Shonberg, Jewish immigrants from Russia, along with her brother Herbert.
Her father was a meter reader for the gas company, and her mother ran the home.
Adele lived with them or near them, on Arch Street, Vernon, Goffe Terrace, for most of their lives. Like Adele, her parents lit Shabbat candles and kept a kosher home, and were proud of their heritage.
She was at the World’s Fair in 1939. She put on lipstick when she went out to the movies with her brother Herbert, to his embarrassment; she must have been 16.
Herbert was drafted, and was in Co. L 23rd Infantry Regiment, when he was killed on 19 July 1944 after serving 2 ½ years. See “The Heroes of Hill 192” near Normandy.
In that same era, Adele met and was courted by David Tyson, son of the president of Keser Israel [a precursor congregation to BEKI].
David was also serving in the infantry. After the war, they got married.
David was an easygoing guy, always there to help when he was called upon. Their personalities, their temperaments, were different, but their commitments were shared; like Adele, David was decent and hard-working; if you needed help he would go all in. They were alike in that way. Adele encouraged David to be active in the synagogue.
On Thursday night, Jan. 31, 1963, David was walking home from shul at Keser Israel with their 6‑year-old son Gerald. A reckless drive ran over Gerald — literally holding his father’s hand — and David carried him to the nearby Hospital of St. Raphael, where Gerald died.
Adele’s story could have ended there, too, and certainly their marriage could have ended there. But she kept going.
Together with David, Adele tried to create a loving home for their surviving and subsequent children, Harold (of blessed memory), and Liann (may you live and be well). Adele was a nurturing mother, though she was out at meetings, doing her good work, a lot. Adele tried to foster the qualities of respect, perseverance, service, kindness, honesty, duty, forgiveness. Apparently she was rather successful in that.
Those who know Adele know that she has been the most extraordinary leader and volunteer in this Jewish community, the Jewish Home for the Aged, and especially here at BEKI. I’ve worked here 25 years and I can’t say I’ve done more at BEKI than Adele. She was the most senior member of this congregation with respect to the number of years of membership, she was the longest serving Sisterhood President, and she was the first woman (female person) to serve as the President of Beth El-Keser Israel.
Those of you who have been synagogue presidents and officers — including women and men — know how demanding that position can be. But actually you may have no idea what Adele faced — as hard as it is today, back in that era — I’m talking 35 years ago. Not everyone was so mature, democratic, collaborative. Back then some of board meetings included yelling, screaming, even fisticuffs. Adele was dealing with a tougher group, and she managed. As one of those old men, since deceased, described Adele to me, he said… Well, I can’t say that, but it means she had the two-fold strength to deal with those difficult situations and personalities.
Adele was the first woman (female person) to stand on the Bima with a Torah scroll on Kol Nidre night. The fact that such a statement means little to younger people here proves the effective transformation that she pushed through.
Most of us now know Adele for all of the fine works she did through the Sisterhood — gift shop, tablecloths, cooking, serving, giving gifts to kids.
Even up until a month ago, she was coming to shul, was surrounded by friends, and was contributing her efforts to make this place work. I am fortunate to have worked with such an inspiring and productive person; I learned a lot from her.
She was a hard worker — whether selling ladies’ garments, organizing a major event at the synagogue, caring for her family.
Adele contented with cancer. Twice. Resilience, courage –- she just kept going forward.
David died about 25 years ago. Her parents and brother having died, that left her as a mother of two surviving children, and a grandmother.
Her son Harold’s illness and death was a sad episode; he had good friends and had brought love and life into the world. Hal was not blessed with long years. And so as a mother Adele buried her adult son about 18 years ago.
She was delighted to be a grandmother, and found great joy in interacting with Alicia (and Richard), Michelle and Jessica, mainly being herself. Being with her and calling, and living your own lives, gave her meaning and hope. She was appreciative of your attention, and she always wanted more. The renewal in becoming a great-grandmother, thanks to Alorik’s arrival, somehow added to Adele’s drive and energy – another reason perhaps to get up and keep going.
Her life, her love, her work have been and continue to be a tremendous well of inspiration, benefit, and blessing.
