Adèle Kaminski was born in 1954 to parents Perc and Rita (Tellier) Brydges, shortly after they decided to leave city life behind and pursue an entirely different lifestyle on the River Road near Port Elgin in Bruce County. As often happens, things did not work out as hoped, and her father’s job necessitated five changes of schools in Adèle’s seven years of elementary school.
Subsequent years of secondary school in Port Elgin, the University of Toronto and, much later in life, Athabasca University, provided her not only with careers as a pharmacist and as an Adult Educator for Pharmacy Technicians but also a host of lifelong true and dear friends. It was at UofT that Adèle met John Kaminski, who soon became her husband and father to their two sons.
There were very few arts and crafts, cultural cooking or culinary gardening pursuits that Adèle didn’t attempt. Being truly a “jack of all trades, master of none”, she revelled in her joy of learning and helping others while leaving the tedious more perfectionist work to others.
Her joy of learning is evidenced in the rather massive personal library she left behind, covering almost all subject matters except electronics and computers – that, she left entirely in her husband’s capable hands! Her extensive music collection features most cultures, eras, instruments, and genres, with the exception of Country & Western which she never quite learned to appreciate!
Adèle is survived by John, her husband and almost exclusively self-guided travelling companion of 51 years, sons Neil and Keith, their spouses Lianne and Lisa, and 5 grandsons Evan, Ethan, Owen, Dylan and Kian, the biggest stars in Adèle’s life. Being part of very small families she leaves a sister (Laura), and five cousins: through marriage a sister-in- law (Barb) and her two sons and on daughter.
In her last few months of life, Adèle deemed herself S.P.E.C.I.A.L. – a Self Proclaimed Eclectic with Control Issues and Lymphoma. As such, when she could no longer control her Lymphoma, she chose the date and means to start her new solo travel adventure.
No plans have yet been made for a Celebration of Life.
The family kindly asks for privacy during this time. Please refrain from sending flowers or food, and from phoning or visiting the home, as John requires time and space to rest and adjust to his new circumstances. The family appreciates your understanding and respect for his wishes.
As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to Lymphoma Canada or the Princes Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto. Donations and condolences may be offered online at www.cameronsofkincardine.com
