Adella Kehm Obituary (1921

Adella Kehm had every attribute of an angel- faith, love, and charity. Born in Bremerton in 1921, she grew up during the Great Depression and knew many hardships in her life. Although she was poor in money at times, she was always rich in kindness. She was truly generous in every way. Her generosity extended to those outside the family as well. Mom always gave gifts to single mothers that she knew only casually, nurses that took care of her in the hospital, and other people's children. In these last years, it was a priority to her to watch us enjoy ourselves with her gift- such as John, Vicki, Shannon, and Devon's trip to Hawaii in 2001. Mom was an extraordinarily beautiful woman--glamorous in a 1940's kind of way. She would never leave the house without new nail polish, lipstick, and getting all dressed up. People referred to her as a ''lady.'' In her younger years, she was known as a figure skater at the roller rink. She could dance on skates and was remembered decades later for her ability. Her twin, Delia, used to play guitar and they would sing at Pop's Inn, the family business in old Charleston. At 80 years old, she could still sing five verses of ''La Paloma'' in Spanish. Mom was a great listener. She would cry with you, and rejoice in your successes as if they were her own. Her sense of humor was second to none. She told many funny stories about her years as a clerk in downtown Bremerton and her life as a twin. Mom loved Christmas more than anything. She loved to have the whole family together: Bill and Debbie, John and Vicki, and the granddaughters- Shannon, Heidi, Devon, and Elena. She was a beloved Grandmother who spent a lot of time with the girls when they were growing up. She taught them to play ''The Price is Poker,'' complete with prizes (Barbie Stickers), and loved to dance with the kids to old 45's (''Daydream'' by the Lovin' Spoonful). She even formed a marching jazz band using pots and pans to entertain them on rainy days. When the granddaughters grew up, she loved to recount to them her youthful days. She helped with the family geneology and brought the Depression and War years to life for us. She knew a lot about the history of Bremerton and what this area was like before the boom in growth. Mom also entertained thet family and residents of Cypress Gardens with her piano playing. She couldn't read music and taught herself by ear. When you think of Mom, you hear her playing Somewhere My Love, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, and Silver Bells. Mom was wonderful to her own parents. Mom, we learned from you and promise to carry on your spirit and generosity as you taught us. Our lives will never be the same without you. We will always have a wealth of memories and will keep your memory alive forever in our hearts. Be our angel, Mom. Watch over us as we carry on your legacy of love.