Northborough – Adrienne H. Cost, aged 88 years old, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024. She was born and raised Mckeesport, PA, the oldest daughter to Clark C. and Elsie L. (Hatcher) Hamilton.
Adrienne graduated in 1953 from Mckeesport H.S then studied business at University of Pittsburgh. She would have lifelong pride and devotion to the sisterhood as member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Always one to continue learning, she would later earn her master’s degree in economics from Framingham State College.
Along with her family, Adrienne would relocate to New Jersey the early 1950s. It was here that she would meet her future husband, James F. Cost. She fondly recalled just how James was to gain her attention, driving back and forth in front of her home, on his Vespa scooter or in his ’31 Ford while leaning on the Klaxon – Aooga horn. The efforts were a success. They would marry in June of 1957. Soon thereafter, they relocated to St. Louis, Missouri where they started their family. Adrienne and James would move several times to follow James’ working schedule. In 2002, they bought their current home in Northborough. Together, they enjoyed 50 wonderful years together until James’ own passing in 2007.
Adrienne worked in the early 1970s as a home economics teacher within the Framingham Public School system. She then took employment as a financial advisor for numerous years with American Express IDS.
Adrienne dedicated her life’s goals towards the betterment of others. For twenty years she devoted countless hours to the fulfilment of Northborough Senior Center’s mission. She served as president to the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center and was a member of the Center’s building committee. Her financial knowledge was instrumental in the successful fundraising for the Center’s new building. She was very proud of NSC. With a smile she would recall how the town vote to approve the new building only passed by four votes; a requested recount proved positive by 6.
Recently, through her knowledge, wisdom and dedication, Adrienne was honored by being asked for advice by Westborough Senior Center’s new building committee. Adrienne also served many years on Northborough’s Council on Aging committee; in 2008 she was elected Chair. Through all her endeavors, Adrienne focused on care and support for the current and future senior residents of her town.
Her volunteering reached past the ‘boroughs. She would serve as Director for both the Natick YWC A and President of Boston’s YWCA in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s she served as Director of the Boston YWCA Athletic Club. During this time, she devoted much energy into volunteering and fundraising throughout the greater Boston area. Adrienne had a lifelong love of sewing which she shared with family and friends. She was a longtime member of the American Sewing Guild – Boston Chapter. She humbly invested much time and energy to raising funds each year to purchase 100 dolls for underprivileged girls, as Christmas presents. She and the NSC’s sewing group would then hand make beautiful clothing and accessory bags for each of the dolls. To honor Adrienne, please consider a memorial donation to www.ASG.org.
Friendships meant a lot to Adrienne. Over the years, she made countless friends as she interacted in the many civil and private circles which she traveled. She looked forward to catching up with old and meeting new acquaintances over lunch at NSC’s Bistro. Adrienne would appreciate people for who they were. It was important to be honest, apply your best effort towards the cause, be willing to help others succeed and be a friend.
Family was important to Adrienne. She had a love of traveling and learning the wonders of the world. She enjoyed seeing her grandchildren grow and fondly remembered the memories made during day trips to historical sites and during weekend stayovers at her house. She felt blessed to get to know her great-grandchildren as well. Her wish was that they will always remember how much she cherished them all.
Surviving Adrienne are her two children, Cheryl L. Cost of N. Grafton and James H. Cost and his wife Donna of Lancaster; three grandchildren, James M. Cost, Alexandrea L. St. Jean and her husband Andrew, Elizabeth M. Cost; two great-grandchildren, James M. Cost, Jr. and Lily Cost. She also leaves one sister, Phyllis Heller and her husband Carl of Atlanta, GA and a sister-in-law Bettye Blunt of Smyrna, GA, nieces and a nephew.
Visiting hours will be held 10 – 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14th, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Adrienne’s funeral will follow at 12 NOON. in the funeral home. Burial in Howard Street Cemetery will be private.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
