LEEDS - Adele J. Barkowski, of Fairway Village in Leeds, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Fisher Home in Amherst with her husband and best friend by her side. Adele was born in Chicopee, daughter of the late Henry and Bella (Graveline) Paquette. She grew up in Willimansett and was educated at Mt. Carmel and Precious Blood. From the time she was a little girl, she wanted to be a teacher, often coercing her siblings into playing along as her students. She graduated from Our Lady of the Elms with a degree in Education and went on to Westfield State University for her Masters. She had a long career in the Williamsburg Elementary School System. Adele was especially gifted in the subjects of mathematics and the emerging field of computer science. She only retired after her grandchildren were born, in order to spend more time with them. Yet, she could not leave the profession completely. She continued on as a substitute teacher for the Hill Institute in Florence and eventually acted as their assistant treasurer. Not one to be idle, she decided to put her love of numbers to use by working for H & R Block. Through Elder Services, she volunteered as a personal assistant for elderly women, helping with everyday chores such as taking them grocery service and paying bills.

Adele was born with a gifted green thumb and would often purchase the most pathetic plants because she “felt sorry for them” and would bring them back to life. Her flower beds were spectacular, drawing the attention of anyone who passed. She voluntarily planted and maintained the gardens at Lilly Library in Florence. Other regular hobbies included tennis, hiking, painting and reading. She loved all animals, especially her collie, Bonnie, and they loved her back.

In addition to her parents, Adele was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Addesso, and a sister, Louise Lebeau. She leaves her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Szlosek, who she has been inseparable from since 1978; her daughter, Deborah Angelo; two grandchildren, Jake and Jessica Angelo; her siblings, Susanne Paquette, Christine Rogoff and David Paquette, as well as several nieces and nephews.

At Adele’s request, there are no calling hours, and the family will hold a private service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Adele’s memory may be made care of the Lilly Library, 19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA 01062, or Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002.