Helen M Adams

Helen Mary Ruane-Adams (nee Dobrowolski) 80, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, Florida. She was born in Newark, NJ on May 6, 1940 to John and Helen Dobrowolski (nee Ingram).

Helen grew up in her early years in Newark, NJ before moving to Nutley, NJ when she was 12. She attended Nutley High School where she graduated in 1957. She went to Newark State Teacher’s College (Kean University) and graduated in 1961. She began her teaching career in Montville Twp, NJ teaching elementary education. Later in her career, Helen worked at PSE&G in Newark in the Worker’s Compensation Department before retiring in 1998.

Helen married her first husband, Gerard F. Ruane in Holy Family Church, Nutley, NJ in 1966 and remained happily married until his death in 1988. Helen and Jerry raised their two children, Matthew and Leslie, in Nutley.

Helen married her beloved second husband, James Adams in St. Michael’s Church, Cranford, NJ in 1997. They moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1998.

Helen was active for many years in the Parent Teacher’s Association at Lincoln Elementary School, Nutley, NJ. She was an avid reader, enjoying mysteries, history and science fiction. She never missed playing her lottery numbers and buying the scratch-offs. She enjoyed travelling and visits from her grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her spouse James of Bradenton, FL; her son Matthew Ruane of Palm Bay, FL; her daughter Leslie Cifelli of Lyndhurst, NJ; her grandchildren Louis Cifelli and Samantha Cifelli of Nutley, NJ; her sister Dorothy Matkya (Leonard) of Garfield, NJ; her brother Michael Dobrowolski of Ewing, NJ. She is also survived by many friends and extended family.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Bradenton, FL on Friday, March 26 at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Manasota Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238. Condolences may be left at www.ManasotaMemorial.com.