Julianne McAdoo

One cannot recall enough superlatives to adequately describe Julianne Williams McAdoo.  Some of which come to mind are Renaissance woman, Commander in Chief, influencer, linchpin, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Niece, wife, dog Mother, friend, colleague, artist, traditionalist, teacher, etc.  All who came to know her were affected by her kindness, concern, love, humor, bravery, and devotion.

Julianne was born on July 3, 1949 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She grew up in the Deutschtown (Northside) section of the ‘Burgh, the second of two daughters born to Julia Wade Williams and James Williams.  She attended Schiller Elementary School, Latimer Junior High School, and Allegheny High School.

Kind and compassionate, Julianne’s first career goal was to become a nurse.  As a result, she volunteered as a candy striper at Allegheny General Hospital while still in high school.  To support herself after graduation, she worked for the Bell Telephone Company as an operator. This segued into more responsible and prestigious positions with the phone company, culminating in investigative services.  She retired from Verizon (formerly known as Bell Telephone) after forty years of service.

While working for Verizon, Julianne studied diligently to further her education.  She took evening classes at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing.  Post retirement from Verizon, her love of, and expertise in writing lead to a Master’s Degree from Pitt.  Due to her excellent work in the Master’s program, she was hired as a teacher for the University’s English Department.

Julianne left to cherish her memory a Daughter, Dawn Young, a Granddaughter, Juliette Young, a Stepson, Brian McAdoo (Robin), a Sister, Karen Williams, a Nephew, Navy Lieutenant 03 Colin Williams (Uniqueca), two Grand Nieces, Imani and Isabel Williams, a Cousin, Donna Blackburn(Bernard), an Aunt, Jean Blackburn, a Cousin, Shirley Coleman, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc. “Munga” shared a special bond with her Granddaughter, Juliette Young, to whom she was devoted.  Additionally, one cannot exclude her status as a dog Mother to her beloved Sadie and Biscuit.

From an early age, Julianne took an avid interest in cooking and sewing.  These early interests turned into passions, and she excelled in cooking, quilting, gardening, knitting, and numerous other do it yourself projects. Her handmade quilts, some of which earned prizes, adorn her beautiful home as well as the halls of Bidwell Presbyterian Church.  She was also the family traditionalist, and made holidays over decades memorable and remarkable for a host of family and friends.

A passion for travel took her to many places in the world, including France, Maine, San Francisco, the Bahamas, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Orleans, Monaco, New York, Chicago, Washington D. C., Cleveland, Florida, Georgia, and countless other destinations.  She was always eagerly looking forward to her next big adventure.

A voracious reader and avid film buff, Julianne enjoyed streaming international mysteries and other genres.  Extremely well read, she was constantly devouring esteemed literary works. She had an extensive library in her home, consisting of one thousand books which lined her living room wall.  Strong in faith, Julianne was a member of East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

Julianne shared her extensive gifts with family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and students.

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