Adrienne Straus

Adrienne Straus was unusual for her time. A business owner, Wife and mother at age 23, a 1955 graduate of Simmons College in Boston, and a whole lot of ambition. She achieved her goals before her peaceful death on December 19, 2024 at age 90.

Born in Long Branch into a family of retail clothing merchants, she was the first in her family to attend college and graduated with a degree in Journalism which she used to write for the Asbury Park Press before opening her own retail clothing shop called Junior Bazaar. Originally located on White Street in Red Bank, it was later relocated to Broad Street in Red Bank.

She succeeded at this business, selling pre-teen and junior clothes, and charming cranky teenagers during prom season. She employed staff and made buying decisions with Fred following clothing trends recommended by their buying office in NY. Eventually, Fred opened his own shop in Manasquan NJ, while Adrienne managed the Red Bank location and Fred managed the finances of both stores. They were true business partners.

She has two daughters, Hindell S. Grossman of Brookline, MA and Deborah Eisenstein of Keyport, NJ who she discouraged from the retail business. Adrienne eventually closed Junior Bazaar in 1988 due to competition with the Monmouth Mall. Not ready to leave retail sales, she then worked for Talbots.

Since she was genetically predisposed to work and exceptionally smart, Adrienne was not cut out to be a housewife. Household tasks were handled by Fred and others while Adrienne used her energy and practical skills to earn and schedule the next adventure. She was a master at time and motion, quick witted, feisty and fashionable. Everything was possible.

She knew how to play as well as work hard. Annually, after busy retail holiday seasons, she traveled with Fred and friends to every continent. Travel adventure was a lifelong passion which only ended a few years before her death at age 90. She and Fred took more than 30 Road Scholar educational tours. She loved playing bridge, sometimes with Fred, and often with other partners, until recently. They had a large circle of friends and an active social life with whom they shared their interests in theater, dining, the Giants and the Mets.

She is survived by her loving husband Fred (Pat) Straus, her two daughters, four grandchildren, Ariel Winkley, Micah Grossman, Henry Eisenstein and Emily Eisenstein, plus two great grandchildren and the many others whose lives she touched.

The funeral is scheduled for 1:00 on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at the Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel located at 2130 Route 35, Ocean, NJ followed by a brief graveside ceremony at Congregation B'Nai Israel Cemetery Riverdale Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ. Refreshments and a shiva service will follow.

Donations can be made to HABcore, Inc., a local charity supporting permanent housing for the homeless.