Betty Adams Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 29, 2013.

Beloved wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother, Betty Joan Blomgren Adams died peacefully at Rex Hospital in Raleigh on August 27, 2013 after a brief illness. She was 82. An artist, professor and active supporter of the arts, Betty's warmth, sense of humor, joi de vivre, and talent illuminated the many lives she touched.

Betty was born August 7, 1931 in New Britain, Connecticut. Her parents were Ragnhild Margaret Anderson and Evert Axel Blomgren, both born in Sweden. Her father developed electro-mechanical devices that were used in many aerospace vehicles and projects. Betty enjoyed all things Swedish, and a Swedish flag frequently flew in her honor when she was in residence at her Cameron Park home or at her beach cottage in Emerald Isle.

Betty graduated from Berlin High School in Connecticut in 1949. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn in 1953. She married Fred Eichenberger in 1954, and together they had five children. The family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio until moving to Raleigh in 1963 where Fred taught at the NCSU School of Design. In 1973 she earned her Masters of Arts Teaching from UNC Chapel Hill.

For a short time after graduating, Betty taught at Peace College and sold real estate. In 1973 she started teaching at St. Mary's College, which at that time was a two-year high school combined with a two-year college. She taught at St. Mary's for 19 years and retired as Chair of the Fine Arts Department and Professor Emeritus.

Betty was active in the fine arts of Raleigh and served two terms as a legislative appointee to the North Carolina Museum of Art. She also served several terms on the boards of Art Space and the Art Exchange. More recently she was instrumental in founding, and then serving on the board of, the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh (CAM). Her four terms allowed her to witness and take part in many changes and plans for the future of CAM. At the time of her death Betty was eagerly preparing for an exhibit of her paintings at the Roundabout Gallery in Raleigh. An event is being planned at the gallery in early December to celebrate her life and work.

Betty married J. Allen Adams in 1977 and added three step children to her family of five boys. She and Allen were devoted patrons of the theater, symphony, opera and ballet. In 2004, together, they were honored with the Paladin Art Achievement Award, given by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. They loved traveling and their cottage at Emerald Isle. Betty was a gracious and indefatigable hostess who threw impromptu family brunches with the same aplomb as a black-tie dinner. Her generosity, reasonableness and kind nature immediately put people at ease.

She is survived by her loving husband, J. Allen Adams; brother, Bruce (Marideanne) Blomgren; children, Kurt (Donna Anderson) Eichenberger, Tom (Christine Murphy) Eichenberger, David (Jennifer) Eichenberger, and John (Amy Roessel) Eichenberger; step-children, Ann (Bill) Borden, Jeff (Dorota) Adams, and Spencer (Dennise) Adams; and her grandchildren, David Eichenberger, Stefan Gruber, Caroline (Luke) Hallam, Eva Gruber, James Borden, Kevin Eichenberger, Ethan Eichenberger, Erin Eichenberger, Morgan Adams, Will Eichenberger, Carmen Eichenberger, and Lauren Eichenberger; nephew, Evan; grandniece, Ava. Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Blomgren, her former husband, Fred Eichenberger, and her son, Peter Eichenberger.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held Sunday, September 1 at 2:00pm at the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh, 409 W. Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations in her memory be made to the Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh or Saint Mary's School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.brownewynne.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Adams

What is your first memory of Betty?

Share a favorite memory you have of Betty.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Betty.

Describe a time when Betty made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Betty?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Betty.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Betty.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Betty.

What is something you learned from Betty?

Not sure what to say?

September 9, 2013

Yevonne Brannon

Betty was so gracious, so polite and interested in her guests! She always was encouraging and supportive. Al, we are all -- throughout the community -- we are praying for you.

September 8, 2013

Al -

How saddened I was to learn of Betty's death when I returned from the mountains yesterday. She was everything the obituary said and more. Just a charming, lovely, generous person. I last saw her at the reception for the new president of St. Mary's last year and as always, we resumed the special St. Mary's friendship we enjoyed when we were working together. There are now only two of us who represent that era. I am thinking about you Al and your loss. She was the best.

Jane Rabon

September 6, 2013

Al, Dave and I are saddened by Betty's death. The world needs more like her not fewer. I'm sure she had much more to give. She will be missed. We will pray you and your family will soon find peace. Mary Cates, Raleigh

September 4, 2013

Guy Rohling

Al,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

September 3, 2013

Beckie Street

Mr. and Mrs. Adams graciously invited me into their home and hearts over twenty seven years ago. Mrs. Adams was a grand lady and I am very honored to have been a part of her life. My heart breaks for her family and her friends.

September 2, 2013

To Al Adams, children, grandchildren and family members, my thoughts to you all, about Betty. I've known many of you since about 1980 when I first came to Raleigh from Minnesota. Betty was introduced to me and over the years, again and again, stories about her talents spread. My condolences to you all.
Harriett Stubbs, Raleigh NC

September 2, 2013

Phil Kirk

I was always welcomed in Betty and Al's home in Cameron Park. She was definitely "the hostess with the mostest" and will be missed. She made many contributions to the Raleigh community, especially in the arts and education. My thoughts and prayers are with Al and the family during this time of celebration of a life well lived although it ended too soon.

September 1, 2013

Lydia Boesch

My mom, Mary Jane Owen (later Mary Jane Ethridge) and Betty became very good friends when my mom moved to Raleigh in 1972. I admired Betty from the moment I met her. Such a lady and so interesting. I loved spending time with her. It was an honor to have known her.

August 31, 2013

Joan Troy

It was a privilege to know her and be welcomed into her home.

August 31, 2013

Ruth Little

I only met Betty in the last six months, while researching a book on the neighborhood centennial, but I think someone on the Cameron Park yahoo group said it best--"The heart of Cameron Park is gone."

August 31, 2013

Peter Atkinson

The times Mary and I spent with Betty & Al, vacations in Maine, long weekend in London to see art shows and theatre, numerous visits to Emerald Isle and Raleigh as well as their visits with us in Virginia, are truly some of the most treasured memories in my life. Betty you were beautiful, funny, and a perfect straight person for dear Al. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.

August 31, 2013

I remember first hearing about Betty from Helen Crisp who had bonded with her as Helen knew the chaos of rearing a house full of girls, and Betty knew the chaos of rearing a house full of boys.Helen voiced a bit of envy of Betty as Betty always seemed to look terrific, no matter what, and to be habitually gracious and pleasant. What a loss for us all...May we have learned a bit from Betty's example to convey some of her spirit to the next generation... Condolences are extended to the family...-Marty Lamb (neighbor)

August 31, 2013

Dear Allen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, the Eichenberger and Adams clans, and all who knew and admired Betty, who was such a talented and gracious woman. I have fond memories of my last visit with both of you in Raleigh. Now in Chicago, I will be with you in spirit as you celebrate Betty's life at CAM. God bless! Betty Ann McNeil

August 31, 2013

Peg Eichenberger Rhoda

John let me know about the sad news of Betty's passing,after hearing it from Tom. What a beautiful tribute to her life! She obviously touched so many people. I wish we could have kept in touch more. May the families be comforted knowing those of us "up north" are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. Peg Eichenberger Rhoda & Family

August 31, 2013

Dear Al,
Its been a long time since I have seen you and Betty, in Raleigh or at Emerald Isle but I have not forgotten you beautiful people.It is awful to lose half your soul in one fell swoop. I pray that you will believe as I do that memories can comfort and that love lives on forever. Trish Love(used to be Hunt)from Chapel Hill.

August 31, 2013

David Cooper

Dear Al, and extended family. I am so sorry you have lost your beloved Betty. She was a wonderful, lovely and delightful person, and I have many fond memories of all our times together. My heart goes out to you. When the dust settles and you feel up to it, please consider a trip west to see us and spend some time in La Jolla. Much love and all best in this difficult time. Dave

August 30, 2013

Amanda Durant

Ms. Adams was my high school art teacher at St. Mary's, where I was a very awkward student with dreams of pursuing serious painting. She was a kind and patient teacher who really sparkled, inside and out. Years later she purchased a small painting that I painted while attending an artist residency in France from the Lee Hansley Gallery in Raleigh, where other of my works from the same residency were being shown. I was so honored and gratified to learn this, especially since it meant that she knew I was still serious about painting. My deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Heartfelt prayers of gentle healing, too. And gratitude to Ms. Adams for her lovely ways, for her teaching and for her dedication to the arts and to her community.

August 30, 2013

Richard Rudy

I met Al years ago and was fortunate enough to also meet and talk with Betty on a number of occasions. What a lovely and completely charming lady. A renaissance woman with a depth and wide scope of knowledge who used her talent and wisdom to make a better place for all of us.

August 30, 2013

Barbara Beasley

What a beautiful tribute to an exceptionally talented woman who was so involved in her community and touched so many lives !! My condolences and prayers go out to the family at such a sad time but what a legacy she leaves behind to remember her by

August 30, 2013

I first met Betty almost thirty years ago when my husband Steve and I moved to Cameron Park. I remember saying "when I grow up, I want to be just like Betty Adams." We will miss her so much.

August 30, 2013

Emily (Burns) Smith

My sympathies to the Adams and Eichenberger families. Betty was a lovely lady I remember well from my childhood growing up in Raleigh. She will be missed by many whom she touched over the years.

August 30, 2013

Chris Crew

Sorry for your loss, guys.

August 30, 2013

Nicole Welch

Betty was a beautiful spirit and an inspiring woman. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

August 30, 2013

MaryBeth Owen

Thinking of all of you at this time. Betty will be missed by so many people.

August 30, 2013

Neal Jackson

Betty was one of the loveliest people I've known, and she and Al were the perfect couple. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her, but her contributions to her community live on. May Al and other family members be in peace knowing how much she gave to us all.

August 30, 2013

Amanda Turner

My God give you peace and comfort during your time of loss. She was a beautiful lady, both inside and out. She gave so much to her community and to her family. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Amanda Turner

August 30, 2013

Lou Jurkowski

Al,
I'm heartbroken about our loss of your beautiful wife Betty. I'll miss our impromptu conversations on the sidewalk in Cameron Park, her smiles, her graciousness and the love she shared with everyone. Betty knew what life was truly about.

Warmly,
Lou Jurkowski

August 30, 2013

Anne Russell

Betty always was a pleasure to behold. (from formerly Anne Twiggs of Raleigh)

August 30, 2013

Lynn

I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman who has been a quiet force in so many lives, an inspiration to so many people, and a gentle spirit to those who were honored to have known her for so very long!!! To her family- my prayers are with you all.

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Betty Adams's name

Memorial Events
for Betty Adams

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

How to support Betty's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Betty Adams's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more