BRUNSWICK — Adaia Shumsky, age 91, died on July 7, 2016 at Mid Coast Senior Health Center in Brunswick.

Adaia was born in Jerusalem, Israel, which at that time was still Palestine. Adaia’s family was among the first to settle outside the walls of the Old City. Adaia grew up in the modern city of Jerusalem, and began her college studies at the Teacher’s Seminary there.

In 1947, Adaia married the love of her life, Abraham. Together, they came to study in America, where they both received doctorates at Columbia University. Adaia worked as a school psychologist and later as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services in the Great Neck, NY public schools. She later established a private family therapy practice, and taught at Queens College.

Throughout her life, Adaia and Abe maintained their connection to Israel. They returned periodically to Israel, where they participated in the Israeli War of Independence, and later conducted research. In the 1970’s they merged their interest in values education with their knowledge of Hebrew, and authored the Mah Tov series for teaching Hebrew to English speaking children. They subsequently wrote Bridge Across the Jordan, a memoir about her father’s culture-bridging tenure as a carpenter working for Jordanian King Emir Abdullah.

After retirement, Adaia and Abe moved to Brunswick, first for summers and later full time. Adaia and Abe continued their writing, and enjoyed participation in their Bible study group, which Adaia later extended through her Melton Adult Education group. They enjoyed classical music and time spent with family and friends.

Despite her fiercely independent spirit, Adaia’s failing health necessitated a move to the Bodwell and Mere Point units at Mid Coast Senior Health Center. While she missed her home, she truly appreciated the support and compassionate care she received. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers, as well as the friends and companions who continued to visit her there.

Adaia is survived by her children Alina Shumsky and husband David Chatalbash, Ron Shumsky and wife Naho Kikuchi; grandchildren Rachel Chatalbash and husband Mark Lamoureux, Allison Chatalbash and husband Brian Wood, Hannah Chatalbash and husband Patrick Clancy, Mizuki and Hikari Shumsky; and great-grandsons Benjamin and Nathaniel Wood.

Adaia was interred at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath, Maine on July 9, 2016.

If so desired, contributions in Adaia’s memory may be made to Beth Israel Congregation, 862 Washington St, Bath, Maine 04530 or to Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, 12 Tenney Way, Brunswick, ME 04011.