Many people in the Rumson area have fond memories of the talent, warm smile and demeanor of one of the borough’s most longtime residents — Adelaide Bennett.

Adelaide, known as Addy to friends and family, passed away at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 7. She was 95.

A longstanding member of the Rumson Senior Citizens Club and the Sweet Adelines’ Heart of New Jersey Chorus, Addy was known and loved for her “inner strength, resilience and compassion,” her obituary said.

A communicant of Holy Cross Church in Rumson for more than 40 years, Addy was born and raised in Queens, NY before moving to Rumson in 1974. It was there that she raised her family, lived out her life and became steeped in the arts in the area and tied to her community.

She married Patrick, known to most as Pat, after he served in the U.S. Army in World War II. After the war, Addy sang at a local radio station and worked as executive secretary to the president of RPI, where she helped put Pat through engineering school. The Bennetts also spent a lot of time helping out backstage and acting in shows at the Navesink Library with the Monmouth Players in the 1970s and 80s.

“I sang with Addie at the Heart of NJ Chorus,” Ellen Greenhouse, of Freehold, said in a condolence message on legacy.com. “She was always such a positive addition to the chorus. I am sure she will be sadly missed …”

“I will miss her coming to see me at Borough Hall,” said Helen Graves, Rumson Borough employee and RFH alumna. “May she rest in peace.”

Addy began her college career in her 80s by studying at Brookdale Community College. She officially became the oldest student at the school, her obituary said.

She is survived by: her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Patrick; and her five children, Tecla, Patrick, Craig, Brian and Robin. She is also survived by her six grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Holy Cross Church in Rumson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the ASPCA. For online condolences or directions, click here.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect is preparing a memorial tribute to Addy. If you knew her and would like to add a comment and/or photo, please contact us at [email protected].

RIP, Addy Bennett. Condolences to family and friends.