Adele (Abdulla Habib) Shwaery

October 9, 1928 – July 15, 2022

Adele M. (Abdulla Habib) Shwaery, the daughter of Abdella and Dehne (Haddad) Habib, was born in Port Alfred, Quebec, Canada and raised in Montreal. On June 14, 1950, she married Frederick Nicholas Shwaery, Sr., and they shared more than 72 years of marriage.

She first came to Pawtucket from Montreal to help her uncle, Mike Haddad, at Haddad’s Dry Goods store on Main Street. Uncle Mike, who had no children of his own, asked Mrs. Elizabeth (Skeea) Matook if her daughter Mary might introduce Adele to other young people at church. Mary and Adele became fast friends and attended a SOYO-sponsored bowling night, where Mary—then dating John Massiwer—introduced Adele to John’s best friend, Fred Shwaery. At the end of the evening, when asked if she liked the handsome young man with a generous and polite nature, Adele responded, “I’m going to marry him.”

Fred and Adele had three children: their daughter, Linda-Joy A. Dvelis of Pawtucket; and two sons, Frederick N. Shwaery Jr. (Catherine) of Virginia and Robert M. Shwaery of Pawtucket.

As a teenager in Montreal, Adele earned a spot on the Ice Capettes figure skating team—even trying out in hockey skates—and she was also a champion softball player. After marrying Fred, who did not speak French, the young family moved to Pawtucket in 1952. Adele was fluent in French, Arabic, and English.

For 21 years, she managed the family business, Frederick Michaels Sports and Play, in Taunton, before retiring in 1990. She had previously worked in the deli at the former Star Market in South Attleboro.

A faithful member of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Adele was active in the Ladies Society and supported the church alongside her husband.

Adele was a fierce advocate and the voice of the underdog. She became a surrogate parent to many troubled youths, offering meals, clothing, guidance, and unconditional love. In the 1960s, she emerged as a pioneer in advocating for the rights of children with developmental and physical disabilities, fighting for access to education and day programs when such services were nearly nonexistent. Her advocacy included keeping members of the Rhode Island General Assembly in their seats after closing time until she was heard.

What began as a group of mothers volunteering in the basement of St. Martin’s Church to take turns watching each other’s children grew into what is now the ARC of Blackstone Valley. Adele’s activism was deeply personal—she was especially proud of her son Robert’s success, holding a long-term job at Neptco, wearing a shirt and tie to work, having his own desk, and living independently. It was more than she ever dreamed could happen when she fought her toughest battles for services and inclusion.

Adele found great joy in her grandchildren—Kristen (Robert) Silva, Jason (Stephanie) Dvelis, Nicholas Shwaery, and Elizabeth (Michael) Melcher—and in her seven great-grandchildren. She cherished the paintings, photos, and handmade gifts they gave her, proudly displaying them throughout her home. She also treasured her extended family, including many nieces and nephews, and held a deep love for her relatives in Canada. Some of her favorite memories were her train trips to visit them with her young family.

Adele was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother figure to many. Her unwavering commitment to helping those in need and standing up for the voiceless is the legacy she leaves behind. As God calls us one by one, we look forward to the day we are reunited again.