In Memoriam
Barbara Curtis Adachi

A well-attended gathering to celebrate the life of Barbara Curtis Adachi, who died in San Francisco on February 9th, was held at the International House of Japan, Roppongi, Tokyo, in the afternoon of Sunday April 25th. It was a great pleasure to all that Barbara's daughter Cathy was able to be there. 

Barbara Adachi, whose brief obituary was reported in our March Bulletin, had been a very active member of a number of societies as well as a caring and stimulating friend to many individuals, and there was no shortage of people who had reminiscences to share. In the first part of the meeting, a representative from each organization mentioned Barbara's contribution; in addition to our own Society, represented by Doreen Simmons, there were tributes from the College Women's Association, the International Ladies' Benevolent Society, the Japan-American Women's Club, the Nadeshiko Kai, Smith Alumnae, and lastly, the Society of Writers, Editors and Translators, of which Mrs. Adachi had been a founder member. A memorial booklet had been prepared by one of the other two SWET founders, Lynne Riggs.

After a time for chatting and looking at a rich selection of photographs, time was given for more personal anecdotes; and before Cathy rose to give her thanks to all those who had attended, the MC asked all the members present from each organization to stand up. Thanks to multiple memberships, the Asiatic Society was quite well represented! 

It was a happy occasion with more laughter than tears, as one person after another stood and gave a personal tribute that could be summarised: "My life was enriched by knowing Barbara Adachi."

DS