By Sadef Ali Kully
Andrea Ruby Adams, a dedicated community volunteer for over 30 years who lived in Douglaston, died Aug. 25 in a Jamaica nursing home. She was 75 years old.
As a longtime volunteer at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica Hills, Adams was involved with projects related to women’s empowerment, health services and community engagement.
Her dedication did not go unseen. Timesledger awarded her the Queens Impact Award, which honors those who have helped shape Queens over the years.
Adams was an advocate for women who were being abused. She also worked to promote economic independence for women, and was a valuable member of the Center for the Women of New York.
Adams served as Queens Hospital Center’s volunteer director and the liaison for its Auxiliary. She was also active in many of the hospital’s other projects, including the Women’s Concerns Committee, Domestic Violence Victims Services, Neonatal Bereavement Keepsake project, Social Work Clothing Closet and the In-Patient Reading Cart.
She was a member of the National Association of University Women, an organization that serves women, youth and the disadvantaged by addressing educational issues, advancing the status of women’s issues, and partnering with allied organizations. Her fellow NAUW sisters were disheartened by the news of her death.
“She was a part of NAUW—very active and a constant in our lives,” Vernnetta Turner-Tucker, a NAUW member said. “She worked in all the branches in New York.”
Her friends remember her as a creative person who knew how to connect with people.
Born in Staten Island, Adams attended Long Island University, graduating with a master of public administration degree and a certificate in health care administration.
Her participation in developing projects to advance cultural awareness among hospital staff through the Women’s Concerns Committee earned her the Mayor’s Award in 2001.
While working at Queens Hospital, she spearheaded the Gateway to Health Sciences School program.
The funeral service for Adams was held Saturday at St. Matthew AME Church on Hollis Avenue, where Adams’ NAUW sisters, dressed in white, sang hymns to celebrate and remember her life.
She is survived by her husband Arthur Adams, daughter Jacqueline and sisters Lillian Griffin and Roslyn Coleman as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
