ADAMS—In loving memory of Electra Adams, passed away on July 25, 2022.

ADAMS—In loving memory of Electra Adams, who lived in retirement in Florence for many years, passed away from Alzheimer’s on July 25, 2022.

Electra was predeceased by son Chris Nickolaus of Florence and is survived by her children Robert Nickolaus, Keith Nickolaus, and Florence residents Dina Pavlis and daughter-in-law, Mary Nickolaus, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Electra was born in New York City after her parents arrived at Ellis Island on a steamship from Greece. A memorable highlight of her adult life was traveling to Europe and touring Greece with Chris and Keith, where she located and reconnected with family relatives in the small town of Kastoria.

Electra earned a degree in physical education and dance from New York University and became an outstanding modern dancer. On occasion, she taught Greek folk dancing for fun.

Electra was a tremendously loving mother and great cook too, who, like any good Greek, loved “hospitality” — lively company, passionate and engaged conversation (including politics and religion!), and all of this with way more homemade food than her guests could ever eat. Moussaka, leg of lamb, tiropita and an incredible, honey-drenched walnut baklava — all of these were her specialties, well-loved by all who enjoyed them.

Electra had love to spare, sometimes “adopting” close friends as surrogate “children,” to shower with affection, cards, gifts. Electra was very compassionate and loved giving gifts.

After a divorce, Electra managed as a proudly independent single working mother of four. She worked in the field of early childhood development and dedicated her life to helping at-risk children, primarily through the Head Start Program, first as a teacher and later as a director in El Modena, Calif., and eventually in Santa Ana, administering numerous Head Start programs in Orange County.

Electra was highly respected by her peers for the exceptional quality of her programs and the City of El Modena, Calif., established “Electra Adams Day” in her honor.

After her children left home, Electra fulfilled a dream of moving near the beach in Laguna Beach, Calif. She loved the beach and entertaining visiting family and friends there.

During her retirement years in Florence, she enjoyed helping the local Democratic Club and the Sand Pines Homeowners Association. She dearly loved her home in Sand Pines and Florence’s beautiful coastline.

Electra’s family very much appreciates the excellent care Electra received at Spruce Point Memory Care during her final years. Memory care staff members were genuinely caring and helpful to both Electra and her family as she transitioned through various stages of Alzheimer’s.

In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation in Electra’s name to First Step Florence, a transitional housing nonprofit, or CROW, a youth arts nonprofit.