Shrewsbury – Adele (Ayik) Svendsen, 90, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully at home, with her devoted daughter at her side, on Feb. 15, 2021 after a period of declining health.
Adele, born in Worcester, was one of eight children of Syrian immigrants, Salim and Mary (Haddad) Ayik. She graduated from David Hale Fanning Girls Trade School, where she focused on learning the artistry of a seamstress.
Accomplished in her trade, she owned and operated a dry-cleaning business in South Dakota before returning to Worcester where she began working for various clothing manufacturers, notably David Clark Company. She worked many years in the admissions department at Memorial Hospital before retiring.
Adele is survived by her devoted daughter and best friend, Sandra Donahue and her husband David, with whom she lived; two brothers, Baheege Ayik of Shrewsbury and Henry Ayik and his wife Ellie of Worcester; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Joyce Ayik; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She joins in Heaven her husband, Paul Svendsen, and five siblings, George and Norman Ayik, Victoria Bicknell, Lynne Steeves, and Najala Lindquist.
Adele was a member Saint George Orthodox Cathedral. She was also a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and union local past president. Her waterfront home on Lake Quinsigamond was her peaceful place. She could sit for hours outside looking at its beauty or on her boat traveling its waterways.
As a seamstress, Adele could construct any piece of clothing, she made wedding dresses for friends and clothing for her grandchildren and others. She was also a great Middle Eastern cook, and found much enjoyment making pastries with her grandchildren and showing them how to cook.
Out of an abundance of caution, funeral services at Saint George Orthodox Cathedral will be private on Saturday, Feb. 20. For those wishing to view the service via live stream, please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com then select “live service” from the menu. The live stream will begin at 9:50 a.m. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, and that service will also be live streamed.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to St. George Orthodox Endowment Fund, 30 Anna St., Worcester 01604.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the emergency room staff at St. Vincent Hospital for the kind and compassionate care they provided.
The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
